Orin Swift Palermo 2021 is a Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon from one of California's most original wineries, known for its bold wines and striking label art. It blends estate-grown and purchased fruit, with small amounts of Merlot and Malbec alongside the Cabernet, and is bottled at 15.2% ABV.
The wine was aged for 11 months in French and American oak, 34% of it new, which frames the dark fruit with notes of chocolate, toast and cedar.
In the glass it pours dark garnet and opens with ripe cassis and blackberry, supported by dark chocolate, toasted oak and cedar. The entry floods with dark fruit, the mid-palate brings redcurrant, bay leaf and a return of cassis, and it closes with well-developed tannins and a striking minerality despite its supple, soft finish.
The Wine Advocate awarded the 2021 93 points, and Palermo's dramatic label makes it a memorable bottle to give or open with friends.
Good wine rewards a little care in serving. Whites and rosés show best chilled to around 45 to 50°F, while reds are at their most expressive slightly below room temperature, around 60 to 65°F. Opening the bottle and letting it breathe for a few minutes, or pouring it into a decanter, helps the aromas open up.
Tasting Notes
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Nose: Ripe cassis and blackberry, with dark chocolate, toasted oak and cedar.
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Palate: Dark fruits, redcurrant, bay leaf and cassis.
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Finish: Well-developed tannins with striking minerality, supple and soft.
Specifications
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Producer: Orin Swift Cellars
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Vintage: 2021
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Grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon with small amounts of Merlot and Malbec
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Ageing: 11 months in French and American oak, 34% new
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Region: Napa Valley, California
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ABV: 15.2%
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Size: 750ml
How to Enjoy It
Decant for 30 to 60 minutes and serve at about 60 to 65°F. Palermo pairs beautifully with ribeye, braised short ribs, lamb or aged cheddar.
Frequently Asked Questions
What grapes are in Palermo 2021?
Cabernet Sauvignon with small amounts of Merlot and Malbec.
How was it aged?
11 months in French and American oak, 34% new.
How was it rated?
93 points from The Wine Advocate.
Explore more in our Cabernet collection.
