Orin Swift Mercury Head Cabernet Sauvignon 2021

Region and Vineyards

The 2021 vintage of Mercury Head is anchored in the diverse terroirs of Napa Valley, drawing from four of the region’s most prestigious vineyard sites. High-elevation fruit comes from the Stagecoach and Warnock vineyards on Atlas Peak, where volcanic soils and cooler temperatures yield smaller berries and intense phenolic concentration. These sites contribute firm tannins, graphite minerality, and a notable freshness to the blend. The altitude also ensures a long growing season, allowing grapes to reach optimum ripeness while retaining natural acidity.

Complementing these mountainous sources are valley floor sites of historical significance. The Morisoli Vineyard in Rutherford, renowned for its deep, gravelly loam, provides supple texture and the signature “Rutherford dust” character—an earthy nuance unique to the area. Finally, fruit from the Taplin Vineyard in St. Helena imparts opulent fruit expression, adding layers of blackberry and violet lift. This careful geographical triangulation gives Mercury Head its profound depth, balancing power, elegance, and site fidelity.

Winemaking

Mercury Head 2021 is crafted exclusively from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, marking a return to varietal purity after previous vintages included small percentages of other Bordeaux varieties. Each parcel was harvested and vinified separately to preserve its individual character. Fermentation occurred in small lots with precise temperature control, enabling optimal extraction of color, flavor, and structure.

The wine was aged for 13 months in French oak, of which 43% was new, lending aromatic finesse and textural polish without overwhelming the varietal character. The winemaking team employed minimal intervention—eschewing fining and filtration—to maintain authenticity and depth. The result is a wine of bold presence, polished tannins, and remarkable aging potential, built on meticulous vineyard sourcing and restrained craftsmanship.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Nearly black at the core with a garnet rim, intensely opaque and glass-staining.
• Aroma: Dense aromas of blackcurrant, graphite, crushed violets, espresso, and cigar box mingle with undertones of warm spice and wet stone.
• Palate: Full-bodied and structured, with layers of ripe black cherry, cassis, and dark chocolate. Fine-grained tannins offer a polished framework, while fresh acidity drives a long, mineral-laced finish.

Did you know?

Each bottle of Mercury Head bears a real Liberty Head dime, a tribute to the beauty of early American currency. The label-less presentation speaks to Orin Swift’s philosophy: let the wine speak for itself. The name “Mercury Head” comes from a common misnomer—the Liberty dime’s image is often mistaken for Mercury, the Roman god of speed and communication.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Grilled Ribeye with Garlic Herb Butter: Elevates the wine’s bold tannins and savory depth.
• Braised Short Ribs with Polenta: Matches the wine’s richness with a luxurious, slow-cooked dish.
• Black Truffle Risotto: Enhances the earthy and floral notes of the Cabernet.
• Aged Gouda or Comté: Complements the wine’s complexity with nutty, crystalline textures.

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.