Orin Swift Papillon Cabernet Sauvignon (750Ml)

Papillon is Orin Swift's take on a Bordeaux-style red, and you'll find it among our Cabernet Sauvignon blend picks. Dave Phinney founded the California winery. Here the goal is simple: Cabernet's power, softened by Cabernet Franc and Merlot, with structure from Petit Verdot and Malbec.

The 2022 blend is 71% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Malbec, 7% Syrah, 6% Cabernet Franc, 5% Petit Verdot and 4% Merlot. Most of the fruit comes from Stagecoach Vineyard on Atlas Peak. A little more than 5% is 2021 wine, so the label reads Napa County. The wine then spends 13 months in French oak, 40% of it new.

It pours an opaque crimson with a cardinal rim. On the nose you'll find ripe cassis, blackberry, coastal chaparral, cedar box and allspice. The palate brings cassis, pluot, blueberry and boysenberry, with shaved fennel and a touch of earth. It feels round and weighty, with dusty tannins. The finish hints at barbecue tri-tip, vanilla and toffee.

At 15.4% alcohol, it is big and warm. Robert Parker's Wine Advocate gave the 2022 vintage 91 points. Over the years, critics have scored Papillon from 90 to 94 points.

Open it an hour early or give it a quick decant. Then serve it with steak, braised short ribs, lamb, venison or aged cheese. It's delicious now and can keep improving for over a decade. It's a fine pick from our premium wine selection when you want a bold red for a special dinner.