Orin Swift Papillon 2017

Drink now through 2031.
Decant for aeration and potential sediment.

Papillon is composed of the key five varietals from Bordeaux and aims to be a New World variation on the Bordeaux style. The winemaker’s intention was to place the Cabernet Sauvignon front and center with the delicate subtleties of Cabernet Franc and Merlot and the tight power of Petit Verdot and Malbec.

In the glass, the wine is dark and inky with rich garnet hues. On the nose, expect a full ripe cherry note with anise, dark chocolate and a slight rosemary herbaceous quality. When first tasting, the assertive fruit makes its presence known with fresh cherries and bright raspberry jam. The fruit gives way to a sandalwood tannin, amaretto and a toasted coconut spice. The tannins are smooth, and the finish has a wonderful sweet oak quality.

The Bordeaux-esque quality of this wine makes it a fantastic pair for rich meat dishes. A chateaubriand or a cotes du boeuf would be a mouthwatering combination.

The wine bottle’s label uses a photograph shot by famed Hollywood photographer, and fellow winemaker, Greg Gorman.

Orin Swift Cellars is owned and operated by David Swift Phinney. After falling in love with wine on a trip to Florence, Italy, he worked as a temporary harvester for Robert Mondavi Winery before starting Orin Swift Cellars in 1998. Orin comes from his father’s middle name while Swift is his mother’s maiden name