Papillon 2017

Orin Swift

Papillon
2017

Country
United States
Regulated designation
American Viticultural Areas (AVA)
Region
California
Subregion
Napa, Napa Valley
Varietal(s)
Cabernet Sauvignon
Cabernet Franc
Petit Verdot
Malbec
Merlot
Colour
Red
Aging vessel type
Aged 15 months in French oak, 43% new
Producer's website

About this winery

Orin Swift Cellars, led by winemaker Dave Phinney, is known as much for its creative and evocative expression of art on the label as it is for its bold award winning. Sourcing for the Orin Swift family of wines takes Dave across the state of California, with special interest in the Napa Valley, Sonoma County and Santa Barbara area. He sets his sights on small lots within the most coveted vineyards while ensuring that only fruit of the highest quality makes it into the final blend. Every wine in...

See the Orin Swift detail page for more information on this brand

Product notes

A Bordeaux style red wine from the Napa Valley, comprised of all five varietals, is hard to find. We’ve been lucky to source quality fruit from long time growers on both the valley floor and surrounding hillsides; and while finding Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Malbec can be difficult, their contributions to the resulting wine make it worthwhile. A prime example of our house style accessible, massive, and memorable the bottle empties quickly (a slight disappointment when discovered) for the bottle weight suggests differently, and searching for another bottle ensues.

Tasting notes

Powerful aromatics escape the glass with rich notes of ripe blackcurrant, blackberry, peppercorn and a touch of chaparral supported by a frame of sweet oak. Intensely l ayered and decadent on entry, the wine exudes characteristics of black plum, boysenberry, kirsch and dark chocolate with a silky soft yet weighty texture. A prolonged finish of Provençal lavender, fig leaf and ripe currants close out the wine.

Press reviews

Wilfed Wong of Wine.com

- 92 points -

The 2017 Orin Swift Cellars Papillon is a robust red blend of Bordeaux grape varieties. TASTING NOTES: This wine doesn't hold back. Its strength navigates nicely through the palate and into the finish. TASTING NOTES: This wine offers excellent complexity and length on the palate. Enjoy its aromas and flavors of ripe red berries and savory spices with a well-seasoned oven-baked chuck roast. (Tasted: November 8, 2019, San Francisco, CA)

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James Suckling

- 91 points -

A rich, fruity red with jam, light prune and berry character. Full body, round tannins and juicy finish. Big wine. Drink now.

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