ORIN SWIFT 2011 CABERNET SAUVIGNON
"PALERMO" NAPA VALLEY 750mL
Owner and winemaker Dave Phinney purchases Cabernet Sauvignon grapes that are intended specifically for Mercury Head and Papillon. Every year, he buys more grapes than he needs for the two blends so he always has multiple vineyards and corresponding wine characteristics to choose from. He also experiments with different grape maturity levels, French barrel producers, and fermentation techniques. This is done to try to learn more with each vintage and create a wine with greater complexity and balance. These multiple lots either add something to the final blend or become their own parts, parts he considers to be separate among equals. He blended these separate but equal parts together in a Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon called Palermo.A blend of 83% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Merlot, 5% Malbec, and 4% Cabernet Franc, the grapes from from several highly-regarded vineyards in the Napa Valley. The wine opens with a commanding presence of rich, fruit driven aromas laced with a hint of French oak. Upon entry, vibrant flavors of ripe currant, plum, roasted fig, and mocha invite the palate and then transition effortlessly into a supple and polished experience. Able tannin chains are balanced with bright acidity that supports a finish with almost never ending fruit themes. Perfectly approachable now, the wine can last for up to ten years in the cellar.
