Orin Swift Cellars Papillon 2012
-
Robert
Parker -
Wine
Spectator
Product Details
Your Rating
Somm Note
Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
-
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2012 Proprietary Red Papillon is composed of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Malbec and Cabernet Franc. Another big-time winner, it was sourced from multiple AVAs, including Oakville, St. Helena, Howell Mountain and Rutherford. Gorgeous aromas of white chocolate, blackberries, blackcurrants, blue fruits and toasty oak are followed by a full-bodied, layered wine that builds incrementally. The tannins are sweet and well-integrated, and the acidity is sufficient for definition. It is a savory, hedonistic as well as intellectually pleasing wine to enjoy over the next decade or more.
-
Wine Spectator
Bold and ripe, with juicy plum, black cherry and wild berry flavors, presented in a supple, textured style. The tannins slowly build but never become intrusive, making this easy to drink despite the size. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Malbec and Cabernet Franc. Drink now through 2022.
Other Vintages
2021-
Robert
Parker -
James
Suckling
-
Wine
Spectator -
Robert
Parker
-
Robert
Parker -
Wine
Spectator
-
Wilfred
Wong -
James
Suckling
-
Robert
Parker
-
Robert
Parker -
Wine
Spectator
-
Robert
Parker -
Wine
Spectator
-
Robert
Parker
-
Wine
Spectator
-
Wine
Spectator
Orin Swift Cellars, led by winemaker Dave Phinney, is a brand known as much for its creative and evocative expression of art on the front of the bottle as it is the bold, yet finessed styling within the bottle. Based out of Saint Helena, within the prized Napa Valley, Orin Swift features a portfolio of wines that appeal to a variety of senses. It all begins in the vineyard. Sourcing for the Orin Swift family 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 the portfolio, from the vineyard source to the distinct artwork adorning the label, offers a unique point of view while creating a heart-skipping impression.
“There’s a soul to this business.. that soul isn’t just from the people who make wine, it’s from everyone who loves wines that make them feel something.”—Dave Phinney
Undoubtedly proving its merit over and over, Napa Valley is a now a leading force in the world of prestigious red wine regions. Though Cabernet Sauvignon dominates Napa Valley, other red varieties certainly thrive here. Important but often overlooked include Merlot and other Bordeaux varieties well-regarded on their own as well as for their blending capacities. Very old vine Zinfandel represents an important historical stronghold for the region and Pinot noir is produced in the cooler southern parts, close to the San Pablo Bay.
Perfectly situated running north to south, the valley acts as a corridor, pulling cool, moist air up from the San Pablo Bay in the evenings during the hot days of the growing season, which leads to even and slow grape ripening. Furthermore the valley claims over 100 soil variations including layers of volcanic, gravel, sand and silt—a combination excellent for world-class red wine production.