Orin Swift Slander 2021
A focus on geographic diversity has been a principle of ours for many years. Sourcing grapes from across California gives us the flexibility to produce wines when some regions are affected by forces outside of our control. But when the entire state experiences a great vintage, the diversity can sometimes be a problem…a good problem. Extensive tastings of trial blends are difficult when each blend is great for specific reasons. But in the end, we all agreed on the blend in front of you, comprised of fruit from across California—Sonoma Coast, Santa Lucia Highlands, Sta. Rita Hills and many more.
Crisp crimson in the glass.
Nose: The 2021 Slander opens with notes of wild strawberry, pomegranate, Bing cherry and cedar. Secondary aromatics abound, with hints of redwood grove underbrush, white pepper and earth.
Palate: Delicate on entry, the palate is flooding with red plum, cherry cola, rhubarb and spices. A touch of cocoa powder on the finish, the wine closes with confident acidity and length.
Varietals: Pinot Noir
Orin Swift Papillon 2018
A neon indigo pours into the glass and sits with a dark garnet core and a lucid cardinal tint. A boisterous nose escapes the glass with aromatics of ripe boysenberry, kirsch, mixed dark berry pie, California Coastal sagebrush and chaparral. Delectable and plush on the palate, notes of blackberry and sweet black licorice culminate in a finish of dusty tannins and ripe black plum. Aged 15 months in French oak, 52% new
Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Malbec, Cabernet Franc and Petite Sirah
Louis M. Martini Lot 1 2017
Lot No. 1 is something of a mosaic of iconic appellations and vineyards an assemblage of Napa Valley’s best mountain, benchland and valley floor fruit. The 2017 vintage is comprised of Cabernet Sauvignon from Atlas Peak, Howell Mountain, Stags Leap, Mount Veeder and other stellar sites throughout Napa Valley AVA. From a growing perspective in 2017, ample winter rains fueled vine growth early in the season followed by steady warmth in the summer and fall, leading to a slightly early harvest with ripe, fruit driven intensity.
Varietal: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
"A soft, juicy red with licorice and aniseed undertones to the blueberries and sage. Candy. Medium to full body with agility and elegance. Drinkable now, but better in 2022." - 95 points, James Suckling
"A rich, lush style, with creamed plum, blueberry and warmed blackberry compote flavors gliding along, laced with cocoa and warm earth notes. A black licorice note drapes over the fruit on the finish, and there's a violet note hanging in the background. Large-scaled and well-defined. Best from 2022 through 2035. 1,272 cases made." - 94 points, Wine Spectator