The 2021 Orin Swift Cabernet Sauvignon Mercury Head is a red wine from Napa, California, produced by Orin Swift. This wine is crafted entirely from Cabernet Sauvignon grapes, and it has an alcohol content of 15.5%. The wine is sealed with a cork and is known for its rich flavors and complex structure.
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate awarded this wine an impressive score of 96 points. The reviewer, Joe Czerwinski, noted that winemaker Dave Phinney expects to produce just over 6,000 cases. The wine is sourced from renowned valley floor sites and the Stagecoach Vineyard, with occasional contributions from Monte Rosso Vineyard. It is aged for 13 months in 58% new oak. Czerwinski described the nose as having "hints of menthol and cedar over a base of ripe cassis and cherries," and praised its full-bodied, velvety texture. He further highlighted a "hint of dark chocolate" on the lengthy finish.
Decanter also provided a high rating of 94 points. Their review emphasized the wine's expressive aromas, noting "sweet and savoury coconut, dill, and Kirsch" with additional toasty oak, vanillin, and mocha. The reviewer described it as a "towering red" with fine-grained tannins and a burly texture, which eventually gives way to flavors of "spiced rum cake and rum-soaked raisins." The ripe, sweet fruit is balanced with a cool, aromatic lift, finishing with "earth, wet river stones, and dried herbs."
The Wine Independent rated the wine at 95 points, with the reviewer describing the wine's deep garnet-purple color. Initially subdued, the wine soon reveals notes of "creme de cassis, blueberry pie, and chocolate-covered cherries," complemented by "Indian spices and mint tea." The palate is rich and full-bodied, featuring a "lively line and firm, grainy tannins supplying a rock-solid backbone," and finishing with "epic length and depth."
In summary, the 2021 Orin Swift Cabernet Sauvignon Mercury Head is a highly regarded wine with excellent reviews. It is recognized for its rich, complex flavors and well-balanced structure, making it a standout selection among Napa Valley Cabernets.