Orin Swift Papillon, Napa Valley, California, USA - Magnum

A tale of juxtapositions, Papillon opens the door to any wine drinker, seasoned or raw, of the possibilities of a five varietal Bordeaux blend. A weathered pair of farm hands and the image of a fragile butterfly extend to the wine itself, delicate yet brawny, nuance but bold. Difficult to find in the Napa Valley, Orin Swift source and ferment the different varietals to their house style: ripe, lush, accessible and with very soft tannins. A melange of fruit from across the Valley, from Atlas Peak to the gravelly rich soils of St. Helena and Rutherford, Orin Swift were able to produce a true Bordeaux blend.

A neon indigo pours into the glass and sits with a dark garnet core and a lucid cardinal tint. A boisterous nose escapes the glass with aromatics of ripe boysenberry, kirsch, mixed dark berry pie, California Coastal sagebrush and chaparral. Delectable and plush on the palate, notes of blackberry and sweet black liquorice culminate in a finish of dusty tannins and ripe black plum.