The story behind 8 Years in the Desert is one that begins with the sale of The Prisoner brand in 2008. Dave Phinney, the visionary winemaker behind The Prisoner, found himself in an interesting predicament. As part of the sale agreement, he was bound by an 8-year non-compete clause that restricted him from working with or even mentioning the word Zinfandel, the grape variety that The Prisoner was known for.
This forced exile from his beloved Zinfandel was undoubtedly a challenging period for Dave Phinney. However, he used this time to explore new ventures and expand his horizons. During this period, he focused on other grape varieties and even ventured into the world of distilling, creating unique spirits like whiskey and rum.
Despite being unable to work directly with Zinfandel, Dave's passion for the grape never waned. It was during this 8-year period that he wrote a book called “8 Years in the Desert.” This book served as a creative outlet and a way for Dave to express his longing for Zinfandel and reflect on his journey as a winemaker.
When the non-compete finally expired in 2016, Dave Phinney was free to return to his first love, Zinfandel. And what better way to celebrate this homecoming than by creating a wine that pays homage to his time in the desert? Thus, the concept of 8 Years in the Desert was born.
The wine 8 Years in the Desert is a blend of Zinfandel and other red grape varieties, crafted to showcase the bold and expressive characteristics of Zinfandel. It is a testament to Dave Phinney's enduring passion for the grape and a reflection of his personal journey during those 8 years of exile.
The name itself, “8 Years in the Desert,” holds a deeper meaning. It represents the period of time that Dave Phinney spent away from Zinfandel, navigating new territories and expanding his winemaking repertoire. It symbolizes the challenges, growth, and self-reflection that he experienced during this time.
In my personal experience as a sommelier, I have witnessed the impact that a winemaker's personal journey can have on the wines they create. The emotional connection and dedication that Dave Phinney has poured into 8 Years in the Desert is evident in every sip. It is a wine that tells a story, not just of the grape variety, but of the winemaker's resilience and unwavering passion.
To summarize, the story behind 8 Years in the Desert is one of a winemaker's exile from his beloved Zinfandel due to a non-compete agreement. During this period, Dave Phinney explored new ventures and wrote a book, all while longing for the opportunity to work with Zinfandel again. When the non-compete expired, he created 8 Years in the Desert as a tribute to his time away and a celebration of his return to Zinfandel. It is a wine that embodies his personal journey and reflects his unwavering dedication to his craft.