Orin Swift Cellars Machete 2017
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Wilfred
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Robert
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Spectator
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Winemaker Notes
Pure inky garnet in the glass, the aromatics of plum compote, wild blackberries, crushed gravel, peanut brittle and Tahitian vanilla emanate. Massive on the entry, the mid-palate is diverse with flavors of dark plums, black pepper, Amarena cherries, slow-roasted Moroccan lamb and a marbled leather texture. Rich, enveloping and vivacious, the wine finishes with perpetuating energy and length—not to mention the satisfying tannins that rouse a desire for more.
About the Label
This rich and expressive Red Wine features 12 different labels in the series. The challenge was developing a label that would match the boldness and complexity of the wine in the bottle.
*Receive one of twelve possible labels.
*Specific labels cannot be requested.
Professional Ratings
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Wilfred Wong of Wine.com
COMMENTARY: The 2017 Orin Swift Cellars Machette is deep and inky. TASTING NOTES: This wine offers an explosion of fruit from start to finish. Its powerful aromas and flavors of raspberries should pair well with a juicy ribeye off of the grill. (Tasted: February 12, 2020, San Francisco, CA)
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Composed of Petite Sirah, Syrah and Grenache, aged for 12 months in oak (38% new), the 2017 Proprietary Red Machete sports a deep garnet-purple color. It has a fragrant nose of black cherry compote, blueberry pie and dried mulberries with hints of candied violets, dark chocolate and roses. Full-bodied, rich and seductive, the palate delivers tons of opulent fruit and a plush texture, finishing long and perfumed. Rating: 91+
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Wine Spectator
Brooding and potent, with concentrated blackberry and dried cherry flavors, laced with espresso and licorice notes, finishing with well-groomed tannins. Petite Sirah, Syrah and Grenache. Best from 2021 through 2029.
Other Vintages
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James
Suckling
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Robert
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Spectator
Orin Swift Cellars, led by winemaker Dave Phinney, is a brand known as much for its creative and evocative expression of art on the front of the bottle as it is the bold, yet finessed styling within the bottle. Based out of Saint Helena, within the prized Napa Valley, Orin Swift features a portfolio of wines that appeal to a variety of senses. It all begins in the vineyard. Sourcing for the Orin Swift family takes Dave across the state of California, with special interest in the Napa Valley, Sonoma County and Santa Barbara area. He sets his sights on small lots within the most coveted vineyards while ensuring that only fruit of the highest quality makes it into the final blend. Every wine in the portfolio, from the vineyard source to the distinct artwork adorning the label, offers a unique point of view while creating a heart-skipping impression.
“There’s a soul to this business.. that soul isn’t just from the people who make wine, it’s from everyone who loves wines that make them feel something.”—Dave Phinney
California is a winemaking colossus; by itself it is the fourth largest producer in the world. Red wine accounts for 56% of the total by volume, and red grapes 63% of total acres planted. In addition, a number of California red wines are heralded as being among the most prestigious and sought-after wines in the world.
While the state’s incredibly diverse geography, soils and microclimates allow for a wide array of styles, the key factor unifying California red wine is the abundance of sunshine and a long, consistent growing season. This leads to well-developed fruit marked both by impressive ripeness and balancing acidity.
The state’s most famous red wine region, of course, is Napa Valley, where Cabernet Sauvignon reigns as king. But California boasts a wealth of other impressive appellations. The much larger and climatically varied Sonoma County also produces world class California Cabernet, along with wonderful examples of California Pinot Noir and Zinfandel.
Fine versions of Cabernet and Zinfandel hail from Paso Robles as well, which is also gaining fame with Rhone varietals like Syrah and Grenache. As for Pinot Noir, terrific examples can be found from AVA’s such as Anderson Valley, Carneros, Santa Lucia Highlands and Sta. Rita Hills. Wineries in Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo Counties are making wonderful Syrahs, and the Sierra Foothill appellations are proving to be an experimental hotbed, with Italian and Spanish varietals employed to great effect.
This of course is a mere sketch. The subject of California red wine is as deep and broad as an ocean, and absolutely a joy to explore!