2019 Orin Swift Papillon Red Wine

the winery Orin Swift Cellars

Orin Swift was founded in 1998 by Dave Phinney. He discovered wine while studying in Florence and, after a harvest in Napa, definitively chose the cellar over the courtroom. This choice is reflected in the style: ripe fruit, clear structure, careful selection, and characterful blends. Since 2016, the house has been part of a larger family, with the full attention to vineyard work and quality assurance that entails. The wines are fruit-driven and generous, yet remain refined and balanced.

origin and terroir in Napa Valley

Papillon comes from several high-altitude parcels in Napa Valley. Warm days and cool nights ensure full ripeness while maintaining freshness. Volcanic soils and clay provide concentration, depth, and a distinctive spiciness. The selection of parcels creates tension and layering. Each component contributes something: strength, aromatic nuance, depth, or extra concentration.

the wine 2019 Orin Swift Papillon Red Wine

A blend of all five Bordeaux grapes. Cabernet Sauvignon 88 percent. Merlot 9 percent. Petit Verdot 1.5 percent. Malbec 1.5 percent. Alcohol 16.1 percent. The result is full-bodied, rich, and yet precise. A wine that immediately impresses yet remains elegant. Rated 92 points.

grapes, harvest, fermentation and maturation

Hand-harvested in the cool of the night. Careful selection and destemming in the winery. Each parcel ferments separately to preserve its unique character. The individual lots mature for approximately 13 to 20 months in French oak barrels, with a significant proportion of new wood. This is followed by the final blending and bottling. This approach yields depth, polished tannins, and a creamy texture without sacrificing the fruit.

color, smell and taste

Deep ruby red. The nose reveals ripe black fruit with black cherry and cassis. Layers of cedar, mocha, and dark chocolate. Subtle notes of pencil shavings, leather, and forest floor add further depth. The palate is full and open. Soft in the mid-palate with ripe plum and blackberry notes. Fine-grained tannins provide support. The fresh, juicy finish encourages the next sip. The wine cleverly conceals its high alcohol content through balance and concentration.

serving advice and storage potential

Serve at 16 to 18 degrees Celsius in a large glass. Decant for 60 minutes with young bottles. Drink between now and 2030 for optimal freshness and fruit tension. In the cellar, the wine develops more notes of cocoa, tobacco, and truffle. The profile remains juicy with a fresh finish.

Would you like to order Orin Swift wines online?

If available, you'll find the official fact sheet and additional information about this fine wine in the "Attachments" tab. We'll automatically send you these when you order this wine. The wine is stored in our climate-controlled Wine Warehouse, and if you pick it up, you'll often receive a nice discount. You'll see your discount immediately when you select "Pick up" at checkout. We're located in Dordrecht, just off the A16 motorway with ample parking. Click here for our address: https://www.grandcruwijnen.nl/bezoek-ons . You can read the full wine reviews from Parker, Suckling, Vinous, and Wine Spectator, among others.

Need advice on finding the perfect wine to pair with your dish? Click here for our exclusive Sommelier. Free for Grand Cru customers. https://www.grandcruwijnen.nl/sommy

recommended wine and food pairings

• Grilled ribeye with garlic butter and rosemary. The ripe blackcurrant fruit and firm tannins complement the fatty, juicy meat.
• Venison stew with mushrooms and dark chocolate. The mocha and cocoa in the wine enhance the depth of the sauce.
• Rack of lamb with a herb crust and roasted eggplant. The spiciness and dark fruit remain strong alongside the savory character.
• Short ribs with soy glaze and ginger. The full texture and sweet glaze balance out the fresh, juicy finish.
• Aged cheese with fig compote. The concentration and mocha notes complement the saltiness and richness of the cheese.
• Mushroom risotto with Parmesan. The creamy texture of the risotto is enhanced by the vibrant acidity and juicy finish.

::contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}