Orin Swift Machete 2020

Region and Vineyards

The Orin Swift Machete is sourced from prominent Californian vineyards, each contributing a unique facet to the wine's character. The vineyards that define Machete’s essence include Summerwind in the Yorkville Highlands, Stone’s Throw in Alexander Valley, and the prestigious Monte Rosso vineyard on Moon Mountain. These vineyards provide a diverse terroir that shapes the wine’s balance of structure and freshness.

• The Yorkville Highlands, with its cooler climate, brings vibrant acidity and fresh fruit notes.
• Alexander Valley contributes ripe, generous fruit, offering the plush, rounded flavors that define the wine’s palate.
• Moon Mountain’s volcanic soils add a layer of mineral complexity, lending Machete its distinctive backbone and depth.

Winemaking

The Orin Swift Machete is built around the bold foundation of Petite Sirah, supported by blending with Syrah and Grenache to add complexity and aromatic intrigue.

The wine is aged for 12 months in French Oak barrels, with 36% new oak, which imparts a refined oak character without overpowering the rich fruit profile. This careful aging process ensures that the wine maintains a balance between the intense tannins of Petite Sirah and the delicate influence of oak, offering a smooth, well-integrated palate.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Deep, inky purple with nearly black hues, indicative of the concentration from the Petite Sirah grape.
• Aroma: Bold and aromatic, offering ripe blackberry, blueberry, and plum. There are layers of toasted oak, vanilla, and dark chocolate, enhanced by floral undertones.
• Palate: The wine is full-bodied, with intense flavors of black cherry, blackberry, and dark plum. Firm tannins provide structure, while secondary notes of licorice, espresso, and a mineral finish add complexity. The integration of oak imparts subtle spice and vanilla, with a long, velvety finish.

Did You Know?

The Machete wine was born in 2009, originally conceived as an homage to Petite Sirah, a varietal known for its powerful structure and deep color. Its striking label design, which changes each vintage, has become a symbol of Orin Swift’s bold and artistic approach to winemaking.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Grilled ribeye steak: The wine’s tannic structure pairs well with the rich, fatty texture of a ribeye, amplifying the bold flavors.
• Lamb stew with rosemary: The depth of the wine complements the savory, herbaceous notes of the lamb, creating a harmonious pairing.
• Aged cheddar: The sharpness of the cheese enhances the dark fruit and spice elements of the wine.
• Mushroom risotto: The earthy flavors of the mushrooms pair beautifully with the wine’s mineral and dark fruit profile.

History of Orin Swift Estate

Founded by Dave Phinney, Orin Swift began with just two tons of Zinfandel grapes and a vision to create wines that push the boundaries of traditional winemaking. After a brief stint studying political science and traveling to Italy, Phinney found his true calling in wine. By 1998, he launched Orin Swift Cellars, combining his father’s middle name, Orin, and his mother’s maiden name, Swift, to honor his family.

Phinney's reputation grew rapidly, especially after the release of The Prisoner, a bold red blend that garnered significant attention. Although Phinney sold The Prisoner label in 2010, he continued to innovate and produce new wines under Orin Swift, focusing on unconventional blends and artistic storytelling through his labels. In 2016, the Gallo family purchased Orin Swift, but Phinney remains at the helm of the brand’s creative and winemaking direction.

Region and Vineyards

Orin Swift sources grapes from a diverse range of vineyards across California, focusing heavily on Napa Valley while also exploring other regions like Sonoma County, Mendocino, Lake County, Lodi, and the Sierra Foothills.

• Napa Valley: At the heart of Orin Swift’s identity is Napa Valley, a world-renowned wine-growing region. Napa’s Mediterranean climate with warm, sunny days and cool nights allows for optimal ripening of grapes, particularly Bordeaux varietals like Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. The valley’s soils are diverse, ranging from alluvial fans to volcanic rock, which contribute to the rich complexity of Orin Swift’s wines.

• Sonoma County: For wines that demand a more restrained, balanced profile, Phinney turns to Sonoma County. The Russian River Valley and other subregions within Sonoma provide a cooler climate, perfect for growing varieties like Syrah and Grenache, which need to retain acidity while developing lush fruit flavors.

• Mendocino and Lake County: In the rugged and cooler climates of Mendocino and Lake County, grapes benefit from higher altitudes and cooler breezes. These regions contribute vibrant acidity and intense concentration to the fruit, making them ideal for Orin Swift’s signature powerful blends. The Zinfandel and Petite Sirah sourced from these areas help create some of the brand’s most robust wines.

• Lodi and Sierra Foothills: Regions like Lodi and the Sierra Foothills are known for their warm Mediterranean climate and rich, volcanic soils. These areas are particularly important for Orin Swift’s Zinfandel-based wines, including the critically acclaimed 8 Years in the Desert. The warm climate allows for ripe, juicy fruit flavors while still maintaining structure and balance.

Wine Range

Orin Swift’s portfolio is diverse, offering a range of full-bodied, intense wines. Each wine tells a story, both through its name and the artful design of its label.

• Papillon: A classic Bordeaux-style blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Petit Verdot, with powerful flavors of dark fruit, tobacco, and spice.
• Machete: Known for its dramatic label and equally bold flavors, this Petite Sirah-based blend delivers layers of blackberry, black currant, and mocha.
• 8 Years in the Desert: A Zinfandel-driven blend that marks Dave Phinney’s return to Zinfandel after an eight-year hiatus. This wine is rich, ripe, and bursting with spice.
• Abstract: A blend of Grenache, Syrah, and Petite Sirah, this wine offers a decadent mix of ripe fruit, chocolate, and licorice with silky tannins.

Did you know?

The name Orin Swift pays homage to Phinney's family heritage, combining his father’s middle name and mother’s maiden name. This personal connection underscores the importance of family and legacy in Phinney’s winemaking journey. Additionally, the winery’s artistic labels often feature surreal and provocative imagery, each designed to evoke an emotional response and mirror the bold nature of the wine inside.