Orin Swift Palermo Cabernet Sauvignon 2021

Region and Vineyards

The 2021 Palermo is composed entirely of Cabernet Sauvignon sourced from a wide array of Napa Valley’s premier vineyards. The fruit comes from both valley floor and mountain sites, offering a natural diversity of expression—from rich, dark fruit and structure to lifted aromatics and minerality. Among the highlighted vineyard sources are Wolleson, Sun Lake, and Cypress, each contributing unique qualities to the final wine.

The broad sourcing approach allows Orin Swift to reflect the entire spectrum of Napa Valley terroir, from volcanic hillside soils that build firm tannins to loamy valley sites that produce generous fruit profiles. Each vineyard lot is treated with the same meticulous attention given to the estate’s flagship Mercury Head, undergoing numerous blending trials before earning a place in the final cuvée. This commitment to precision yields a Cabernet that is both site-transparent and stylistically coherent.

Winemaking

Palermo 2021 is vinified with the house philosophy of blending precision and boldness, crafted entirely from Cabernet Sauvignon. Each lot undergoes separate fermentation, tailored to its site-specific characteristics. Following fermentation, the wine is aged for 11 months in a combination of French and American oak barrels, with 34% new oak, which imparts spice, toast, and depth.

With an alcohol level of 15.2%, the wine maintains an impressive balance through freshness and fine-grained tannins. The blending process is guided by the same principles used for Orin Swift’s most prized wines: complexity, structure, and a seamless mouthfeel. The result is a Cabernet of substance and style—built to impress yet immediately enjoyable.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Deep garnet with an inky core and a luminous ruby edge.

• Aroma: Classic cassis and blackberry dominate, layered with notes of dark chocolate, toasted oak, and cedar.

• Palate: Generous on entry with a flood of dark fruit, supported by mid-palate flavors of redcurrant, bay leaf, and reemerging cassis. The finish is polished, with supple tannins and a subtle vein of minerality that lingers gracefully.

Did you know?

While Mercury Head represents Orin Swift’s pinnacle of Cabernet purity, Palermo is crafted with the same rigor—each lot initially considered for Mercury Head is assessed for balance and integration, then either retained or redirected to Palermo. This makes Palermo a true reflection of the winemaker’s ethos: excellence through detail, even in the estate’s more accessible offerings.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Grilled New York Strip with rosemary jus: Echoes the wine’s dark fruit and herbal nuances.
• Beef Bourguignon: Deep, slow-cooked flavors pair harmoniously with the wine’s tannic structure.
• Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms with truffle oil: Earthy and rich, enhancing the wine’s savory complexity.
• Aged cheddar or Manchego: Hard, sharp cheeses match the wine’s intensity and polish.

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.