Potent and concentrated, with gutsy currant flavors that are accented by licorice, espresso and smoked pepper flavors, finishing with slightly gritty tannins. Zinfandel, Syrah and Petite Sirah. Best after 2024. 68,000 cases made.

The wine's name derives from the eight-year noncompete agreement originator Dave Phinney signed when selling his brand The Prisoner. A Zinfandel-based blend, the 2022 Red Blend 8 Years in the Desert kicks off with briary, blackberry-like notions, plus hints of peppery spice and vanilla. It's full-bodied and flavorful but falls away a bit on the mid-palate, then finishes soft and gently dusty.