Orin Swift Papillon 2016

Wine Advocate 93 points - The 2016 Papillon Proprietary Red is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petite Sirah, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Malbec, aged for 15 months in 45% new French oak. It has a deep garnet-purple color and features exuberant black and red plums, cassis and boysenberry scents with touches of pencil shavings, mossy bark and cast iron pan. Medium to full-bodied, firm and finely grained, it has a seamless structure supporting the elegantly played fruit, finishing on a lingering menthol note. 9,250 cases produced..January/2019

Making its debut with the 2005 vintage, Papillon is coined from the French word for butterfly. The genesis of the brand name stems from a vineyard visit that winemaker Dave Phinney took with his daughter. While surveying vines, she spotted a butterfly and applied her French language classes appropriately. The name stuck and a new wine was born. Fruit is meticulously sourced from some of the most famed appellations, including Howell Mountain, Rutherford, Oakville, and Saint Helena where we are based.