Orin Swift Papillon (2022)

Papillon is a Napa Valley Bordeaux blend comprised of all five varietals. French for ‘butterfly’, it elicits an amalgamation of emotional responses; a delicate butterfly and the weathered hands of a farmer; a boisterous wine that also has an elegant side. Sourced from across Napa, much of the wine is made from the Stagecoach Vineyard with a small portion of fruit coming from just over the county line at the Monte Rosso Vineyard. Together, each varietal lends its own strengths and personalities to produce a blend hardly seen anymore today.

Pouring an opaque crimson core with a brooding cardinal rim, the 2022 Papillon opens with aromatic notes of ripe cassis, blackberry, coastal chapparal, cedar box and allspice. On entry, the palate continues many of the same notes from the nose—cassis, pluot, blueberry, boysenberry, shaved fennel bulb and a touch of earth. A round, weighty mid-palate effortlessly gives way to dusty, coating tannins—a pleasing texture—and finishing hints of barbeque tri-tip, Madagascar vanilla and toffee.

Blend: Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Merlot & Petit Verdot