Orin Swift Papillon Bordeaux Blend Wine

TASTING NOTES: Orin Swift Papillon Bordeaux

A Bordeaux-style red wine from the Napa Valley, comprised of all five varietals, is hard to find. We’ve been lucky to source quality fruit from long time growers on both the valley floor and surrounding hillsides; and while finding Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Malbec can be difficult, their contributions to the resulting wine make it worthwhile. A prime example of our house style—accessible, massive, and memorable—the bottle empties quickly (a slight disappointment when discovered) for the bottle weight suggests differently, and searching for another bottle ensues. Our good friend and fellow winemaker, Greg Gorman, photographed the label.

WINEMAKER’S NOTES Powerful aromatics escape the glass with rich notes of ripe blackcurrant, blackberry, peppercorn and a touch of chaparral supported by a frame of sweet oak. Intensely layered and decadent on entry, the wine exudes characteristics of black plum, boysenberry, kirsch and dark chocolate with a silky soft yet weighty texture. A prolonged finish of Provençal lavender, fig leaf and ripe currants close out the wine.

BLEND Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Malbec, and Merlot

MATURATION Aged 15 months in French oak, 43% new ALC/VOL 15.3%