Orin Swift Papillon Bordeaux Red Blend 2020

This Bordeaux Red Blend originates from the United States, specifically California, drawing fruit from the highly-regarded Napa Valley appellation. Orin Swift Cellars was founded by Dave Phinney in 1998, who started the brand with just two tons of Zinfandel. Phinney's philosophy centers on the creative process of blending, sourcing grapes from unique vineyard sites, and using striking, memorable labels to craft powerful, complex, and distinctively Californian wines. The Papillon blend represents the winery's dedication to crafting a powerful Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon-dominant blend.

Wine Description

The 2020 Papillon is a powerful, dense, and multi-layered Bordeaux-style blend. The wine presents a deep, dark garnet colour. It is composed of Bordeaux varietals, predominantly Cabernet Sauvignon.

• Aroma: An intense bouquet of cassis, black plum, tobacco, cigar box, wet slate, and graphite. Tertiary notes include blackberry pie, cedar, and a touch of vanilla.

• Palate: Full-bodied, concentrated, and rich, featuring bold flavours of dark berries, blueberry jam, licorice, and dark chocolate. There is a pronounced sweet tobacco and dark caramel note that carries through the mid-palate.

• Body: Full-bodied and rich, with an opulent texture.

• Finish: Structured by chewy, fine-grained tannins that provide a firm grip and lead to a long, savoury finish with notes of mocha and a dusty texture.

The wine is characterized by its complexity and powerful structure, built to age. It was aged for 14 months in new French oak, which lends notes of cedar and cigar box.

Accolades

• Jeb Dunnuck - 94 points

• Robert Parker's Wine Advocate - 93 points

• Wine Spectator - 93 points