Orin Swift Palermo Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2021
Orin Swift Palermo Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 is a 15.2% ABV Napa Valley Cabernet in a 750mL bottle from Dave Phinney's Orin Swift Cellars in St. Helena — predominantly Cabernet Sauvignon with small proportions of Merlot and Malbec, aged 11 months in French oak (34% new). It earned 90 points from Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, and its label carries a photograph of a mummified 16th-century cardinal in Palermo, Italy — power, reverence, and dignity, per the winemaker. Order it online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.
- Vintage: 2021
- ABV: 15.2% (one retail card lists 15.0%)
- Region: Napa Valley, California — Orin Swift Cellars, St. Helena
- Blend: predominantly Cabernet Sauvignon with small proportions of Merlot and Malbec (per Wine Advocate)
- Aging: 11 months in French oak, 34% new
- Score: 90 pts — Robert Parker's Wine Advocate (Joe Czerwinski, May 2023); drink window 2024–2035
The Cardinal on the Label
Orin Swift labels are never decoration — Phinney's Palermo wears a photograph of a mummified 16th-century cardinal in Palermo, Italy, a statement about the power and reverence with which he crafts Cabernet. The wine itself was traditionally the cuvée of fruit that didn't make it into Mercury Head or Papillon; Phinney now buys fruit specifically targeted for this bottling — estate-grown and purchased Napa fruit, handled to a Left Bank ideal. See more from Orin Swift or browse Del Mesa's Cabernet Sauvignon shelf.
Tasting Notes
The winemaker's notes: dark mauve with a crimson red rim; a classic, traditional Left Bank Bordeaux-style nose of ripe cassis, blackberry, and assorted blue fruits with a touch of chaparral; a robust entry of blackberry pie and black cherry with impressive weight; soft tannins and a bright finish with a lingering touch of orange peel. Wine Advocate: cherries, cassis, and slightly earthy scents with hints of cinnamon and nutmeg — full-bodied, nicely balanced, "just a nice drink overall."
How to Enjoy
Decant 30–60 minutes; serve at cellar temperature with grilled red meats, lamb, or hard aged cheeses. Drinkable now, good through 2035.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Orin Swift?
The St. Helena winery of Dave Phinney (also of The Prisoner fame) — known for bold Napa reds and unforgettable labels.
What is on the Palermo label?
A photograph of a mummified 16th-century cardinal in Palermo, Italy — chosen to reflect the wine's power and reverence.
What did Wine Advocate score the 2021 Palermo?
90 points (Joe Czerwinski, May 2023), with a drink window of 2024–2035.
What is the ABV?
15.2% per the Wine Advocate review text; one retail shelf card lists 15.0%.
Big Napa Cabernet with a label you'll never forget — order Orin Swift Palermo 2021 online from Del Mesa Liquor in San Diego, CA.