Fans of winemaker Dave Phinney know how fabulous his Orin Swift wines are - and those in the know have followed dave to his next wine label, the budget-minded Locations Wines.

Today’s 90 point wine is the very VERY highly recommended Locations I-1 “Italia”. Stock up, Operatives! You’ll want plenty on hand.

Absolutely gorgeous on the nose, with aromas of bold black cherry, cherry preserve, leather, spice, plum, dried violets, subtle twigs, and cassis.

Bold, delicious flavors coat the palate with black cherry juice, smoky blackberry, dried fall leaves, leather, spice box, grilled plum, subtle tobacco, dried meats, cassis and a hint of flinty minerality.

Dave’s Locations wines are something of a reset after Orin Swift’s prices have soared to the point of making many of them out of reach for many wine drinkers. Locations aims to deliver the best of the best of wines from all over the world, including Italy, Spain, France, Oregon - and more.

Today’s Italian blend is a beautiful wine that delivers an incredible amount of value in this low-priced package.

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Here’s what the wine press has to say:

90 points - Wilfred Wong - “Who other than Dave Phinney can make such a wine like this? The Locations I-1 from Italy, a blend of Negroamaro, Nero d’Avola, Barbera and other varietals from Puglia, simply takes off in the mouth. Powerfully fruity, with berries and savory spices. Super delicious and lasting. Deep ruby purple; explosive red berries; medium to full bodied; delectable ripe berries on the palate; long finish.”

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Robert Parker, Wine Advocate - “Dave Phinney is one of the more creative young minds in all of the world’s winedom. He is doing things that are far beyond his modest age and deserves to be commended for the brilliant individuality/singularity of all of his efforts.

As of now, Dave Phinney might be my “value winemaker of the year” candidate. If there are better wines for under $20 a bottle in the world today, please share that information with the Wine Advocate.”