Orin Swift Papillon 2020

Region and Vineyards

Sourced from a mosaic of premier sites across Napa Valley, Papillon 2020 showcases the complexity of the region through a blend of multiple varietals and terroirs. Fruit was carefully selected from vineyards including Morisoli, Taplin, Lewelling, Stagecoach, Indian Joe, and the historic Monte Rosso Vineyard on Moon Mountain. These sites offer a broad spectrum of soil types, elevations, and microclimates—each contributing to the wine’s layered profile.

The rugged terrain of Stagecoach and Monte Rosso brings minerality and tannic structure, while the benchland vineyards of Rutherford and St. Helena add rich fruit and suppleness. In 2020, a challenging vintage due to climatic and environmental conditions, the selection process was exceptionally rigorous. Only the best-performing lots were retained, making this vintage a testament to precision blending and vineyard expression.

Winemaking

Papillon is crafted as a Bordeaux-style blend comprising Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Merlot, and Petit Verdot. Each varietal was fermented separately to preserve its individuality before final blending. In total, the wine spent 16 months in French oak barrels, with 52% new oak, lending it a firm backbone, spice, and finesse.

Bottled at 15.5% alcohol, Papillon displays the richness and power expected from Napa Valley while remaining balanced through its acidity and polished tannin profile. The extended oak maturation helps integrate the wine’s dense fruit and structural components, offering both immediate drinkability and cellaring potential.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Deep crimson core with a garnet-brick rim.
• Aroma: Aromatically complex with notes of blackcurrant, blackberry, blue fruits, anise, lavender, and fresh brioche.
• Palate: Full and enveloping with layers of mixed berry pie, sarsaparilla, cola, and cassis. The mid-palate is weighty yet elegant, leading to a finish of chalky tannins reminiscent of black tea and dark chocolate, lifted by subtle sweet oak.

Did you know?

The label for Papillon is a black-and-white photograph taken by renowned photographer and winemaker Greg Gorman, capturing a pair of tattooed hands grasping each other. It is a visual metaphor for strength, solidarity, and artistry—paralleling the wine itself, which unites structure and expression into a cohesive whole. The name Papillon (French for butterfly) nods subtly to transformation, complexity, and freedom in winemaking.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Herb-crusted rack of lamb with rosemary jus: A robust pairing that complements the wine’s tannic depth and earthy notes.
• Venison medallions with blackcurrant reduction: Accentuates the dark fruit and spice character of the blend.
• Wild mushroom and truffle risotto: Matches the umami and richness of the palate.
• Aged gouda or bleu d’Auvergne: Bold cheeses that stand up to the wine’s structure and finish.

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.