Orin Swift Cellars is in St. Helena, Napa Valley. It was founded in 1998 by David Swift Phinney, who named it after his father, Orin, and his mother, whose maiden name was Swift. Phinney at first purchased grapes and did custom crushes, but he now owns about 400 acres of vineyards in northern California and more in the South of France. He makes a number of blends, notably The Prisoner, a Zinfandel-based wine that often earns high ratings from reviewers. With unusual labels and names, his blends range from traditional Bordeaux blends to white wine such as the 2010 Mannequin, made of Chardonnay, Viognier, Semillon, Muscat and Marsanne.
One of the most popular red varieties planted, it ripens late and prefers hot dry climates. It probably originated in Spain, where it is still widely grown. Grenache is best known for its use in Southern Rhone wines, including those of Chateauneuf-du-Pape.