Orin Swift Palermo Cabernet Sauvignon is a masterful expression of Napa Valley's premier vineyards, delivering a bold and luxurious wine experience. With a deep garnet hue, this Cabernet reveals captivating aromas of ripe cassis, blackberry, and hints of dark chocolate, cedar, and toasted oak. The palate unfolds with rich layers of black cherry, licorice, and redcurrant, supported by supple tannins and a striking minerality. Aged for 11 months in French and American oak, this full-bodied wine achieves perfect balance and a smooth, lingering finish with notes of black tea and spice. Perfect for pairing with hearty meats or savoring on its own, Orin Swift Palermo is a must-have for wine enthusiasts seeking depth and complexity in every glass.
Process & Profile
The Orin Swift Palermo Cabernet Sauvignon is a quintessential expression of Napa Valley craftsmanship. Blended with small amounts of Merlot, Malbec, Petite Sirah, and Syrah, the Cabernet Sauvignon's core is enhanced to deliver a harmonious and captivating red wine. Aged for 11 months in 34% new French and American oak, the wine achieves a seamless integration of rich flavors and textures. With its bold 15% alcohol content, Orin Swift showcases a wine that epitomizes lush Napa Valley sophistication and complexity.
Tasting Notes
From the moment it is poured, the Palermo Cabernet Sauvignon makes an impression with its deep garnet hue and hints of crimson. The nose is intoxicating, featuring layers of ripe cassis, blackberry, toasted oak, and cedar. On the palate, the wine bursts with intense flavors of dark cherries, plum, and redcurrants, complemented by nuances of cocoa, licorice, sweet fennel, and graphite. The mid-palate reveals remarkable energy, followed by velvety tannins and finishing with notes of black tea and decadent minerality. A soft yet structured finish ensures this wine leaves a lasting impression.
What Makes It Special
Palermo is a true representation of winemaker Dave Phinney's mastery and Orin Swift's hallmark style. By blending estate-grown and sourced fruit from prestigious vineyards across Napa Valley—including Pope Valley and Coombsville—this wine achieves unparalleled balance and character. The carefully orchestrated oak aging imparts a subtle spice and smooth texture, while the innovative use of complementary grape varieties enhances depth, making it a showstopper among modern Napa Cabs. Its unapologetically ripe and hedonistic profile ensures this wine is both approachable and indulgent, appealing to both connoisseurs and casual enthusiasts alike.
How to Enjoy
The Orin Swift Palermo Cabernet Sauvignon is a versatile wine that elevates any occasion. It pairs beautifully with hearty dishes such as grilled ribeye steak, braised lamb shanks, or a rich mushroom risotto. Serve at approximately 60–65°F (16–18°C) to bring out its full aromatic and flavor profile. For optimal maturation, decant the wine for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the bold tannins and complex notes to fully express themselves. Whether enjoyed now or aged until 2034, this wine promises a luxurious experience from the first sip to the last.
Indulge in the depth and elegance of Orin Swift Palermo Cabernet Sauvignon—a true modern Napa Valley classic.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the tasting notes of Orin Swift Palermo Cabernet Sauvignon?
Orin Swift's Palermo Cabernet Sauvignon features primary aromas of ripe cassis, blackberry, and hints of dark chocolate, toasted oak, and cedar. On the palate, it offers bold flavors of dark fruits with a mid-palate presence of redcurrant, bay leaf, and cassis. The finish is characterized by well-developed tannins, a soft texture, and striking minerality.
What is the composition and aging process of Palermo?
The 2021 Palermo is predominantly Cabernet Sauvignon, aged for 11 months in a combination of French and American oak barrels, 34% of which are new. This careful aging contributes to the wine's rich texture and complex flavors.
What food pairs best with Orin Swift Palermo Cabernet Sauvignon?
This robust, full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon is best paired with hearty meat dishes such as grilled steak, roast lamb, or beef tenderloin. It also complements aged cheeses and dark chocolate desserts, enhancing its rich and layered flavors.
How should I serve and store Palermo Cabernet Sauvignon?
Serve Palermo slightly below room temperature, ideally around 60-65°F (15-18°C). Decanting for at least 30 minutes before serving allows the wine's flavors to fully open up. For storage, keep in a cool, dark place with consistent temperature, ideally between 55-60°F (13-15°C), and lay the bottle on its side to maintain cork integrity.
What makes Orin Swift wines, including Palermo, unique?
Orin Swift wines are known for their depth, craftsmanship, and signature artistry. Founded by winemaker Dave Phinney, the brand is celebrated for pushing boundaries in winemaking and design. Palermo exemplifies this with its bold profile and distinctive label, making it an expressive and memorable wine.
What is the alcohol content of the 2021 Palermo Cabernet Sauvignon?
The alcohol content of the 2021 Orin Swift Palermo is 15.2%, reflecting its full-bodied intensity and characteristic richness.
Can I join a wine club for regular shipments of Palermo?
Yes, you can join the Orin Swift "Milk Run" club to receive annual shipments of Palermo in quantities of 6, 12, or 24 bottles. Membership includes benefits like discounted shipping, exclusive pricing on tasting experiences, and access to members-only events.
How does Palermo compare to other Napa Valley Cabernets?
Palermo stands out as a quintessential Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, showcasing a balance of ripe fruit, oak influence, and structured tannins. It offers a rich expression of Napa's terroir while maintaining versatility and approachability compared to some of the region's more austere Cabs.