Orin Swift Cellars "Palermo" Cabernet Sauvignon 2021
(Napa Valley, California) - [DM 94] [TWI 93] [WA 90]

About the Winery:
Orin Swift Cellars was founded by David in 1998: Orin is his father's middle name and Swift is his mother's maiden name. With two tons of zinfandel and not much else, he spent the next decade making wine for others as well as himself and grew the company into a multi-national brand that now includes 300 acres of vineyards in the Southwest of France. This international ambition has led to projects in Spain, Italy, Corsica, Argentina and other locations around the globe. In 2016, Orin Swift (the brand, remaining inventory and the tasting room in St. Helena) was purchased by E. & J. Gallo Winery. Founder Dave Phinney continues to be involved in a consulting role.

Notes from the Winemaker:
Synonymous with the Napa Valley, Cabernet Sauvignon is the most planted grape varietal in the region. From the valley floor to the mountain tops, we source fruit that expresses individual terroir and produce individuals lots that have a sense of place. With three Bordeaux-style wines in the OSC portfolio, our goal with every lot of Napa Cab is to treat each as if destined for Mercury Head. Through trials, we focus on putting together a wine that represents the broad spectrum of Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon year after year. 

Poured as a dark garnet, the wine opens with primary aromas of ripe cassis and blackberry. Supporting hints of dark chocolate, toasted oak and cedar support the typical Orin Swift Cabernet Sauvignon nose. The entry is flooding with notes of dark fruits and a mid-palate bolstered with redcurrant, bay leaf and a reemergence of cassis. The wine closes with well-developed tannins and a striking minerality despite the supple and soft finish.

Ratings & Reviews

94 Points - Decanter:
100% Cabernet Sauvignon aged 11 months in 34% new oak. Alluring aromas of ripe blackberry and black cherry fruit, spiced plums and nuances of clove and tobacco laced with vanilla. Full-bodied with absolutely riveting tannins that take center stage, fueling a panoply of deep mid-palate dark berry fruits that build in stature and length on the finish, resolving in decadent waves of dark chocolate notes and fragrant red powdery spices.

93 Points - The Wine Independent:
The 2021 Palermo, 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, is deep garnet-purple in color. It features fantastically pure notes of crushed blackcurrants, fresh blackberries, and kirsch followed by hints of camphor, dark chocolate, and violets. The full-bodied palate is bright and crunchy, vibrating with energetic black fruits and lively acidity with fine-grained tannins to support, finishing with a real skip in its step.

90 Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate:
"Traditionally, Palermo included wine that didn't make it into Mercury Head or Papillon, but winemaker Dave Phinney now buys some fruit specifically targeted for this bottling. The 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Palermo—a blend of estate-grown and purchased fruit aged 11 months in 34% new oak—includes small proportions of Merlot and Malbec. Offering up cherries, cassis and slightly earthy scents, plus hints of cinnamon and nutmeg on the nose, it's full-bodied and nicely balanced, with its firmness matched by softness. It's just a nice drink overall. Best After 2023" - Joe Czerwinski (May 2023)