Introduction
Orin Swift Papillon 2020 is a commanding and artfully crafted Bordeaux-style blend that stands as a testament to the bold vision and meticulous sourcing of winemaker Dave Phinney. This wine is a powerful expression of Napa Valley’s premier Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc, and Malbec, meticulously selected from top-tier vineyards across various esteemed appellations. “Papillon,” French for “butterfly,” alludes to the transformative process of winemaking and the delicate balance within this robust blend, yet it’s widely recognized for its iconic, striking label. Orin Swift is renowned for its distinctive, impactful wines and evocative artwork. The 2020 vintage in Napa Valley, despite its challenging nature, yielded grapes with remarkable concentration and ripeness, positioning this blend as a profound, age-worthy, and authentic testament to Orin Swift’s audacious philosophy and Napa Valley’s unparalleled pedigree for world-class red blends.
Character Description
Orin Swift Papillon 2020 displays a brilliant, inky black-purple hue, virtually opaque. It offers an intensely aromatic and captivating bouquet of dense black currant, ripe cassis, and blackberry preserves, elegantly interwoven with opulent notes of cedar, graphite, dark chocolate, sweet pipe tobacco, a hint of dried sage, and subtle roasted espresso bean. On the palate, it delivers a full-bodied and wonderfully rich, powerful texture, with concentrated dark fruit and savory flavors that mirror the nose. It’s supported by firm, yet exquisitely velvety tannins that provide superb backbone and a long, expansive finish, balanced by a vibrant acidity that ensures freshness and remarkable precision. The finish is exceptionally long, nuanced, and remarkably harmonious, leaving a lingering impression of profound dark fruit intensity, complex savory notes, and the powerful, age-worthy depth characteristic of a truly epic Napa Valley Bordeaux blend.
Perfect Pairings
This monumental and expressive Napa Valley Bordeaux blend is an exceptional partner for a wide range of robust and intensely flavored dishes, perfectly complementing its profound richness and structure. It pairs beautifully with grilled prime cuts of red meat (such as Wagyu ribeye, dry-aged porterhouse, or lamb chops), slow-braised beef short ribs, venison with berry reduction, and hearty beef bourguignon. Its powerful tannins and dark fruit also make it an ideal accompaniment to aged, hard cheeses (like aged Gouda, strong cheddar, or Comté), truffle-infused dishes, and rich, savory charcuterie. The wine’s commanding presence and layered complexity make it a fantastic choice for a grand celebratory feast, a distinguished dinner, or for those who appreciate a truly full-throttle and age-worthy red wine that develops beautifully over time. Decanting for at least two hours is highly recommended to allow its full expression.
About the Winery
Orin Swift Cellars, founded by the visionary winemaker Dave Phinney, is a groundbreaking winery known for its distinctive approach to winemaking and its iconic, art-driven labels. While not confined to a single appellation for all its wines, “Papillon” showcases Phinney’s mastery of blending top-tier Bordeaux varietals from premier vineyards across Napa Valley. His philosophy is rooted in a desire to craft bold, expressive, and terroir-driven wines that break free from traditional conventions, focusing on meticulous vineyard selection and innovative winemaking techniques. Phinney is celebrated for his ability to coax immense concentration and character from diverse fruit sources and his unwavering commitment to producing wines that are both impactful and memorable. Orin Swift’s dedication to pushing boundaries and their artistic flair have solidified their position as a unique and highly sought-after brand in the world of American winemaking.
