Orin Swift 'Papillon' Napa Valley Red Wine 2021
Orin Swift 'Papillon' Napa Valley Red Wine 2021 is Dave Phinney's rare all-five-Bordeaux-varietals Napa red — a 750mL Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Merlot, and Petit Verdot blend at 15.5% ABV, aged 13 months in French oak (44% new). Fruit comes from long-time growers — Stagecoach Vineyard, Indian Joe, Morisoli Vineyard, and Monte Rosso on Moon Mountain — and the 2021 drew Decanter 94 and Wine Advocate 92. Available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.
- Vintage / ABV: 2021 — 15.5% ABV, 750mL
- Blend: all five Bordeaux varietals — Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Merlot, Petit Verdot
- Aging: 13 months in French oak, 44% new (official 2021 fact sheet)
- Origin: Napa Valley, California — Orin Swift Cellars, St. Helena; founded 1998 by Dave Phinney (also creator of The Prisoner)
- Scores: Decanter 94, Wine Advocate 92, James Suckling 90, Wine Spectator 90, The Wine Independent 94
Five Bordeaux Varietals, One Napa Wine
It is rare to find a Napa Valley wine composed of all five Bordeaux-style varietals — that rarity is Papillon's signature. Phinney, who named Orin Swift for his father's middle name and his mother's maiden name, built Papillon around top-shelf fruit from Stagecoach, Indian Joe, Morisoli, and the storied Monte Rosso vineyard on Moon Mountain, with label photography by Greg Gorman. Browse more Napa red wine or explore the portfolio in the Orin Swift collection at Del Mesa.
Tasting Notes
The official 2021 winemaker's notes: "The 2021 Papillon fills the glass with an unmistakable dark crimson, a flash of neon purple and a ruby rim... aromatics of boysenberry jam, violets, chocolate covered blueberry and hints of Cara Cara rind, graphite and brioche. The entry and midpalate are bright throughout with considerable weight — tones of cassis, blackberry and baking spices flourish. Enveloping texture, chalky, drying tannins and an enduring finish." Decanter (94): powerful, with very robust tannins of immaculate grip giving way to red and blackberry fruit — drinking window 2024–2030.
How to Enjoy
Decant an hour and serve at cellar temperature — the 2021's chalky tannins reward patience. Built for grilled ribeye, braised short ribs, and hard aged cheeses.
Frequently Asked Questions
What varietals are in Papillon?
All five Bordeaux varietals: Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Merlot, and Petit Verdot — a rarity in Napa Valley.
What scores did the 2021 earn?
Decanter 94, Wine Advocate 92, James Suckling 90, Wine Spectator 90, and The Wine Independent 94.
Who makes Orin Swift?
Dave Phinney, who founded Orin Swift Cellars in St. Helena in 1998 and also created The Prisoner.
A five-varietal Napa powerhouse — add the 2021 Papillon to your Del Mesa Liquor order in San Diego, CA.