Orin Swift - Machete 2016
Pairing Suggestions
Orin Swift - Machete 2016 (91+ TSW)
Glad I have a box of 12 (all with different funky labels)
A blend of primarily Petite Sirah with some Syrah and Grenache, the wine aged for 10 months in 40% new French oak barrels.
While it's young I gave it a decant of three hours. I read reviews about too much alcohol and heat in the wine but I can't say it's a real problem. But you know... everything is personal. When you don't like bold wines this is mabye too much.
My tasting notes:
In the glass a dark inky violet color.
On the medium+ nose aromas of cassis, dark plums and blackberries with hints of chocolate, menthol and some smoked meat.
On the palate dry, full-bodied with medium tannins and medium+ acidity. Not yammy or burning because of the alcohol.
Flavours are a recall of the nose with also some figs, ripe cherries and caramel. The finish is long and mouthfilling.
Great with lamb rack, roasted meat, barbecue.
About the winery:
Orin Swift Cellars, led by winemaker Dave Phinney, is a brand known as much for its creative and evocative expression of art on the front of the bottle as it is the bold, yet finessed styling within the bottle.
Based out of Saint Helena, within the prized Napa Valley, Orin Swift features a portfolio of wines that appeal to a variety of senses. It all begins in the vineyard. Sourcing for the Orin Swift family takes Dave across the state of California, with special interest in the Napa Valley, Sonoma County and Santa Barbara area.
He sets his sights on small lots within the most coveted vineyards while ensuring that only fruit of the highest quality makes it into the final blend. Every wine in the portfolio, from the vineyard source to the distinct artwork adorning the label, offers a unique point of view while creating a heart-skipping impression.