The history of Orin Swift Cellars began during a “study” abroad trip to Florence in 1995, where founder David Swift Phinney was introduced to wine, how it was made, and got hooked. After graduation, he landed a job as a temporary harvest worker at Robert Mondavi Winery in 1997, which led to his decision to build his own company. In 1998, Phinney founded Orin Swift Cellars, so designated to honor his father’s middle name and his mother’s maiden name.

With two tons of zinfandel and not much else, he spent the next decade making wine for others, as well as for himself, and grew the company into a multinational brand that now includes 300 acres of vineyards in the Southwest of France. This international ambition has led to projects in Spain, Italy, Corsica, Argentina and other locations around the globe.

Most well-known for his iconic The Prisoner, a Zinfandel-based red blend he has since sold to Huneeus Vintners, Orin Swift Cellars produces several other sought-after domestic wines, each with an innovative label or bottle design. These include the cabernet-based Mercury Head, the Bordeaux blend Papillon, and a Chardonnay-based white blend, Machete. His project in the Languedoc-Roussillon region of Southwest France, Department 66, focuses on old-vine Grenache under the D-66 label.

This 2021 Orin Swift Cabernet Sauvignon Mercury Head is a distinguished offering hailing from the prestigious wine region of North Coast, Napa, California. The wine is a testament to the superior craftsmanship of its producer, Orin Swift, and the exceptional terroir of the Napa Valley. The Mercury Head stands as an impressive representation of a classic Cabernet Sauvignon, bold and robust, yet sophisticated and elegant.

The wine entices with its deep garnet-purple color, a visual promise of the richness and depth that awaits within. On the nose, it presents an indulgent combination of ripe cassis, cherries, menthol, and cedar, with an undercurrent of dark chocolate and a whisper of mint tea. The olfactory experience is further enhanced by the subtle hints of Indian spices, evoking a sense of intrigue and complexity.

On the palate, this full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon is velvety smooth, showcasing a balanced harmony between fruit, tannin, and alcohol. The high alcohol content of 15.5% is well-integrated, providing structure and backbone without overpowering the delicate nuances of the wine. The lush flavors of sweet blackcurrant, blueberry pie, and chocolate-covered cherries are brilliantly interwoven with savory notes of coconut, dill, and wet river stones.

The finish is lengthy and impactful, characterized by a burly texture and earthy tones that linger on the palate. The aging process in 58% new oak barrels for 13 months lends the wine a toasty oak, vanillin, and mocha underpinning, adding another layer of complexity to this exquisite wine.

Endorsed by renowned reviewers such as Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, Decanter, and The Wine Independent, this 2021 Orin Swift Cabernet Sauvignon Mercury Head is a testament to the remarkable potential of Californian Cabernet Sauvignon, earning high scores across the board. This wine is undoubtedly a must-try for any wine aficionado.