David Phinney is an interesting (and irreverent) guy.
Phinney created the Prisoner in 2000. I remember when I was still closely connected to Sterling Cellars in Mahopac, New York, that we were stunned by the depth and the quality of The Prisoner. The package was interesting, and the price was reasonable – it became a phenomenon.
The Prisoner was on the Wine Spectator top 100 hundred list multiple times, and the 385 cases that Phinney had vinified in 2000 had morphed into thousands. Phinney sold his share of the wine in 2010 for $40 million. There were not vineyards and no winery included in the sale. Constellation Brands bought a name for $40 million. Constellation is now producing more than 15 million cases of a wine on which Phinney consulted for a few years.
Phinney also signed a non-compete clause. He agreed to refrain from producing any Zinfandel for eight years. The non-compete clause has expired, and David Phinney is back in the Zinfandel business with ‘Eight Years in the Desert’.
Our local (and favorite) wine bar, Accent on Wine, in Summerville, SC, acquired a few cases of this excellent Zinfandel to enjoy with their wonderful Lunch Bites. We enjoyed both the bottle with lunch and another bottle to enjoy with dinner a week or so later. Ironically, we were invited to participate in a Total Wines video conference with David Phinney soon after. I recognize the concern that many of you who patronize local wine shops may have about a recommendation of a ‘behemoth’ seemingly dedicated to the eradication of local wine shops – that is a conversation for another day. An advantage of a large organization (like Total Wines) is that can connect patrons with people like David Phinney in a variety of ways.
Joy and I enjoyed the video conference. It was a wonderful way for those who enjoy the work of this innovative winemaker to both hear from him regarding his winemaking and packaging process to interact with him via the internet.
Eight Years in the Desert debuted in 2016 with 94 points from the Wine Advocate. Predominately vinified from Zinfandel with significant Petite Sirah and a lesser quantity of Syrah, this is dark red wine with wonderful depth and fruit that offers an excellent finish. The 2017 ‘Eight Years’ is another wonderful wine.
The video conference highlighted a winemaker unconcerned about traditional image. He designs his own (very creative) packages. He directs photo shoots on each of his projects and spends hours on the final product. The result is a label that engenders conversation and attracts conversation. And, David Phinney knows how to make wine.
Track Eight Years in the Desert down (a few thousand cases produced at $40+)…you will not be disappointed.
Another insightful article. We independent wine shops are not too fond of Total Wines and others like them but we still manage to hold our heads above water with customer service and knowledge. Thanks for sharing!
I spent more than 20 years working with an independent wine shop. I admire all who ‘toil’ in the ‘vineyard’. Total Wines is the big box store, but they do not replace the need to hand sell wine. Hand selling is done by stores and other retailers who have built a long standing relationship with their customers. Total Wines has a place, but will never replace the importance of the local retailer in the wine industry.