Winemaker Notes
A seamless assortment of classic Napa Cabernet aromas exude from the glass—cassis, black cherries, chaparral, and a touch of intriguing butterscotch. On the palate, the wine is tastefully expressive with ripe raspberry, crème caramel, bay leaf, and two types of currants—red and black. Carrying its own weight through the finish, the wine’s prominent tannins will soften over time.
About the Label
This label features a photo of mummified 16th-century Cardinal in Palermo, Italy. The photo's sense of power, reverence and dignity is reflective of how their winemaker crafts Cabernet.
Professional Ratings
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Wine Spectator
Ripe, with a bright edge to the mix of plum, loganberry and huckleberry flavors, backed by violet and anise notes and driving through the graphite-edged finish. Approachable already, but there's no rush. Drink now through 2031.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Composed of Cabernet Sauvignon blended with a little Syrah and Merlot, the 2017 Palermo Cabernet Sauvignon was aged for 12 months in oak (38% new). Deep garnet-purple colored, it gives up expressive notions of baked plums, unsmoked cigars, Black Forest cake and crème de cassis with hints of wild sage, menthol and vanilla pod. Full-bodied and decadently fruited in the mouth, the palate has a firm, chewy texture and lovely freshness, finishing earthy.
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Wilfred Wong of Wine.com
COMMENTARY: The 2017 Orin Swift Cellars Palermo shows an excellent synergy between Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc. From a challenging growing season, the winery produced a first-rate effort while retaining its house style. TASTING NOTES: This wine is powerful, yet it is well balanced. Enjoy its aromas and flavors of black fruits, violets, and wood with grilled beef topped with minced shallots. (Tasted: November 8, 2019, San Francisco, CA)
One of the most prestigious wines of the world capable of great power and grace, Napa Valley Cabernet is a leading force in the world of fine, famous, collectible red wine. Today the Napa Valley and Cabernet Sauvignon are so intrinsically linked that it is difficult to discuss one without the other. But it wasn’t until the 1970s that this marriage came to light; sudden international recognition rained upon Napa with the victory of the Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars 1973 Cabernet Sauvignon in the 1976 Judgement of Paris.
Cabernet Sauvignon undoubtedly dominates Napa Valley today, covering half of the land under vine, commanding the highest prices per ton and earning the most critical acclaim. Cabernet Sauvignon’s structure, acidity, capacity to thrive in multiple environs and ability to express nuances of vintage make it perfect for Napa Valley where incredible soil and geographical diversity are found and the climate is perfect for grape growing. Within the Napa Valley lie many smaller sub-AVAs that express specific characteristics based on situation, slope and soil—as a perfect example, Rutherford’s famous dust or Stags Leap District's tart cherry flavors.