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
Orin Swift Papillon 2019
A true five-varietal Bordeaux blend is hard to find anywhere in the world. But lucky for us, we’ve been able to source all five across the Napa Valley to produce one of our flagship wines. From the mountain tops of Atlas Peak to the gravelly soils of St. Helena and everywhere in between, the resulting blend elicits a dialectic found on the label: a butterfly may be delicate and elegant while the hands of a farmer are anything but. Similarly, the sensory introduction to Papillon is overwhelming and breathtaking; yet, as the wine opens, it transforms slowly into a wine of elegance and opulence in one. It is truly the epitome of our style of winemaking.
The 2019 Papillon pours a neon crimson and settles into a dark core with a ruby rim—crimson through and through.
Nose: Aromatically, the wine opens with powerful notes of blackberry, kirsch, coastal sagebrush and evolves into ripe pluot and roasted fig.
Palate: An enveloping entry of grandeur, the palate reveals a more elegant side of the wine: black plum, blackcurrant, toffee and trace hints of sweet red vermouth, muddled mint, and orange peel. Polished, balanced and with an imagined sweetness, the wine closes with ripe but firm tannin and a mild drying character, capable of converting even the staunchest of Bordeaux-philes.
Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Petit Verdot, Merlot
Aged 13 months in French oak, 47% new
"Fruit fans will dig this for its open and inviting display of açaí berry, plum sauce and warmed cassis aromas and flavors, all laced with melted black licorice and given a light mocha cloak on the broad, polished finish. A subtle savory tobacco element in the background adds a counterpoint, but this is aimed squarely at the hedonist crowd. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Malbec and Cabernet Franc." - 93 points, James Molesworth, Senior Editor and Special Project Director at Wine Spectator
Jayson by Pahlmeyer Cabernet Sauvignon 2017
Jayson Cabernet Sauvignon was harvested at night to deliver naturally cooled grapes to the winery. Whole clusters were gravity-fed onto a vibrating table for hand sorting. Selected clusters were gently de-stemmed, delivering whole berries for a final hand sorting. After several days of cold maceration, the fruit entered primary fermentation for two to three weeks, then gently pressed in our stainless-steel basket. The wine finished malolactic fermentation in barrel, then aged for 15 months in 88% new French oak barrels.
Effusive aromas of blackberry pie, cassis, and leather greet the nose, foretelling the full, expressive palate. Intense notes of blackberry and plum interweave with flecks of pink peppercorn and plowed earth, amplified by a lift of fresh acidity. The tannins are firm yet seamlessly melded with the rich fruit, driving to a plush, juicy finish.
Jayson by Pahlmeyer Cabernet Sauvignon 2018
Jayson Cabernet Sauvignon was harvested at night to deliver naturally cooled grapes to the winery. Whole clusters were gravity-fed onto a vibrating table for hand sorting. Selected clusters were gently de-stemmed, delivering whole berries for a final hand sorting. After several days of cold maceration, the fruit entered primary fermentation for two to three weeks, then gently pressed in our stainless-steel basket. The wine finished malolactic fermentation in barrel, then aged for 15 months in 88% new French oak barrels.
Effusive aromas of blackberry pie, cassis, and leather greet the nose, foretelling the full, expressive palate. Intense notes of blackberry and plum interweave with flecks of pink peppercorn and plowed earth, amplified by a lift of fresh acidity. The tannins are firm yet seamlessly melded with the rich fruit, driving to a plush, juicy finish.
"A creamy, full-bodied red with aromas of stewed blackberries, blackcurrants, dark chocolate, black tea and sweet tobacco. Ripe, polished tannins support a velvety core of dark fruit and chocolate. Delicious finish. Tight and so together. Drink or hold." - 95 points, James Suckling
Opus One 2017
Opus One was founded by Baron Philippe de Rothschild, legendary proprietor of Château Mouton Rothschild, and renowned Napa Valley vintner Robert Mondavi. By combining the great winemaking traditions and innovations of both families, the founders’ singular goal was to create an exceptional wine in the heart of Napa Valley.
Opus One, like any great work, arose out of passion. Dedicated to uncompromised quality, Opus One’s sole purpose is to express this vision and passionate spirit for generations to come.
VINTAGE 2o17
The winter of 2017 ended a five-year drought with January recording the most rainfall in over 20 years. The abundant rainfall continued into March, causing a modest delay in budbreak, and pushing bloom back by two weeks. Increased soil moisture allowed for healthy vine growth and development. The summer, in turn, was warm and punctuated by occasional heat waves. Despite Mother Nature’s variability, favorable weather in August provided optimal conditions for fruit development and maturation. Superb flavors and excellent ripening led to an earlier than expected harvest, which commenced on the 5th of September.
The Opus One 2017 offers a harmonious aromatic balance of rich dark fruit, stems of roses, and earthy forest floor. The juicy entry offers a round, silky mouthfeel with just enough acidity to complement the satin texture. This seductive wine shows flavors of black cassis, black cherry and a hint of cocoa powder. The fine-grained, plush tannins evolve into a long, supple finish. A supremely age-worthy wine, it will delight now and for many years to come.
VARIETALS
Cabernet Sauvignon 80%, Petit Verdot 9%, Cabernet Franc 5%, Merlot 5%, and Malbec 1%
SKIN CONTACT
20 days
BARREL AGING
17 months in new French oak
Opus One 2018
The vineyards enjoyed idyllic growing conditions with consistent weather and milder temperatures in 2018. The beginning of the year was notably dry; however, well-timed rainfall
just before budbreak provided the necessary water for canopy development. Flawless conditions ensued during flowering and fruit set which led to higher-than-average yields. While the season got off to a later start, veraison occurred only seven days later than the average which gave the fruit the necessary time to ripen perfectly. Harvest began on September 19th with a steady pace that continued until the last fruit arrived on October 25th.
The Opus One 2018 offers profuse aromas of blackberry, cassis and black cherry. Elegant notes of violets, white pepper and rose petals follow and together they deliver a very seductive bouquet. The seamlessly layered flavors build to a crescendo of fresh and juicy black-fruit, accented with hints of orange zest, licorice and dark chocolate. Beautifully balanced, the smooth round tannins and fresh acidity combine to create a soft, creamy mouthfeel and extend the flavors into a long persistent finish.
Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon 84%, Petit Verdot 6%, Merlot 5%, Cabernet Franc 4%, and Malbec 1%