Being a huge Orin Swift fan I was expecting fireworks, but I was a bit disappointed. The alcohol was high and crowded out the typical OS complexity
Being a huge Orin Swift fan I was expecting fireworks, but I was a bit disappointed. The alcohol was high and crowded out the typical OS complexity
1 person found it helpfulOct 17th, 2014
Mo and I are doing ratings on this, and we may get into a bun fight...
Nose expresses spice box, cinnamon, maraschino cherries and a whiff of bell peppers. On the palette, the wine displays good structure. Tannins are not quite integrated. Typical Papillon profile on the palette. As Mo says, it lacks some complexity, and for that, I've docked a couple of points. For a 2010 vintage, I'm very impressed. It's held up well, and has some longevity ahead. Drink or hold.
Mo and I are doing ratings on this, and we may get into a bun fight...
Nose expresses spice box, cinnamon, maraschino cherries and a whiff of bell peppers. On the palette, the wine displays good structure. Tannins are not quite integrated. Typical Papillon profile on the palette. As Mo says, it lacks some complexity, and for that, I've docked a couple of points. For a 2010 vintage, I'm very impressed. It's held up well, and has some longevity ahead. Drink or hold.
May 15th, 2017
Dense purple color with magenta rim. Blackberry, cassis, and dark chocolate evident on the nose with hints of tobacco and violets. On the palate, its full bodied and a bit jammy with silky tannins and juicy dark fruit coming in at 15.1% alcohol. Made from 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 37% Merlot, 2% Petit Verdot, and 1% Malbec sourced from multiple Napa Valley appellations including Howell Mountain, Rutherford, Oakville, and St. Helena and aged 16 months in French oak. This is the predictable but pleasing result of wedding the Orin Swift big flavor style to the Meritage blend but expressing more power than finesse. $70.
Dense purple color with magenta rim. Blackberry, cassis, and dark chocolate evident on the nose with hints of tobacco and violets. On the palate, its full bodied and a bit jammy with silky tannins and juicy dark fruit coming in at 15.1% alcohol. Made from 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 37% Merlot, 2% Petit Verdot, and 1% Malbec sourced from multiple Napa Valley appellations including Howell Mountain, Rutherford, Oakville, and St. Helena and aged 16 months in French oak. This is the predictable but pleasing result of wedding the Orin Swift big flavor style to the Meritage blend but expressing more power than finesse. $70.
Jul 2nd, 2017
The best label I've seen and also the most expensive bottle I've had yet. Beautiful bottle but I'd rather get 2 bottles of Belle Glos pinot for the price of this one bottle.
The best label I've seen and also the most expensive bottle I've had yet. Beautiful bottle but I'd rather get 2 bottles of Belle Glos pinot for the price of this one bottle.
Aug 4th, 2013
Napa Valley, California, USA
