Orin Swift ‘Papillon’ Red Wine 2020, Napa Valley, California

2020 Vintage – A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Malbec, & Cabernet Franc. Aged 16 months in French oak barrels, 52% new. Making its debut with the 2005 vintage, Papillon is coined from the French word for butterfly. The genesis of the brand name stems from a vineyard visit that winemaker Dave Phinney took with his daughter. While surveying vines, she spotted a butterfly and applied her French language classes appropriately. The name stuck and a new wine was born. Fruit is meticulously sourced from some of the most famed appellations, including Howell Mountain, Rutherford, Oakville, and Saint Helena. Stagecoach, Taplin and Morisoli vineyards headline the union of these distinct components. As always the label is an image of 3rd generation Napa Valley grape grower Vince Tofanellii’s hands, taken by world famous photographer, Greg Gorman. “2020 vintage: The dark crimson core and brick rim sets the stage, as aromas of currant, blackberry, blue fruits, anise, lavender and brioche float from the glass. Enveloping and coating becomes mixed berry pie, sarsaparilla, cola and blackcurrant with structured heft through the mid-palate. Chalky tannins a la black tea or baking chocolate round out the wine with a pleasing finish of sweet oak.