ADVICE FROM JOHN
- Jun 29
- 2 min read
Updated: Jul 25
At a Glance
Producer: Orin Swift Cellars
Region: California
Winemaker: Dave Phinney
Grapes: Merlot-led red blend
Vintage: 2024
Alcohol: 14.9%
Why This Wine?
This one was an easy yes.
When our friends at G&M told us Orin Swift had a brand-new release, I didn't need much convincing. Thanks, Dom!
I'm obviously an Orin Swift fan. Every bottle comes with a story, and this is a good one.
The wine is called Advice From John.
The label features the phrase:
"You Had Me At Hell No"
It's a photograph taken from a book called Advice From John, created by Dave Phinney's longtime executive assistant, Samantha Smith. For years, she photographed the funny, thoughtful, and often ridiculous things people had written on dive bar bathroom walls. Eventually, those photographs became a book.
Dave Phinney has been described as a little punk rock. I get it.
He started Orin Swift at just 24.
He wasn't afraid to blend wines when everyone else was focused on varietals.
His labels are provocative, definitely not traditional, with plenty of pop art influence.
He's curious and pulls inspiration from all over the place, like this label.
Bravo to Dave for recognizing a great idea when he saw one. And maybe even more importantly, bravo for recognizing a great assistant. Great assistants are gold. They don't just keep the trains running. They notice things. They contribute ideas. They make the people around them better.
This bottle exists because someone paid attention to what one of their best people brought to the table.
What to Look For
This isn't your parents' merlot.
Expect blackberry, black plum, espresso, sage, lilac, and a touch of licorice wrapped in Orin Swift's signature rich, velvety style. I'm surprised by the fact that I noticed the licorice and it didn't send me running. It plays beautifully with everything else and is just one of the many individual notes that come together as it's own unique whole.
One thing I loved about this wine (& really, all Orin Swift wines) was how it lingered. It's bold without being heavy and somehow manages to be both plush and fresh at the same time. If you're convinced merlot isn't for you, this might be a fun place to challenge that assumption.
Pair With
This is a steak wine.
It would also be fantastic with burgers, short ribs, grilled lamb, mushroom dishes, smoked brisket, or a really good cheeseburger after a long day. I loved it with our duck paté.
What Other People Are Tasting
Here are a few things that stood out to some experienced palates:
Orin Swift Winemaker Notes
"Blackberry pie, black plum, sage, lilac, espresso bean and licorice with a rich, concentrated finish."
Wine Enthusiast
"Dark fruit, spice and polished tannins combine for a rich, approachable blend."
Curious?
If you'd like to keep exploring, these are some of the places I found helpful while learning more about this wine.
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