By Orin Swift Wine Cellars
Palermo Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

Background
Orin Swift is not a person. The name comes from Dave's father's middle name, Orin, and his mother's maiden name, Swift. Dave Phinney is a person. He's our founder, winemaker, creative director, and artistic force behind every bottle we produce. Check out his recent profile in Wine Spectator. Orin Swift was established in 1998. Though Dave grew up in California, it was in Italy where his obsession began. In 1996, what was originally billed as a semester studying abroad turned into an immersion in all aspects of wine. By 1997, Dave was all in and landed his winery job at Robert Mondavi as a temporary harvest worker. He learned a lot, including that he wanted to make his own wine. The next year, with two tons of Zinfandel and not much else, Orin Swift Cellars was born.

Wine Details
Blend: Cabernet Sauvignon
Aging: 12 months in 31% new French oak
Alcohol: 15.20%

Tasting Notes
A dark garnet core with a brooding cardinal rim, the 2022 Palermo opens with notes of crunchy cassis, muddled boysenberry, ripe elderberry chaparral, and cedar. The palate continues many of the aromatics with traces of cassis, blackberry, and thyme. With ripe, dark fruits and complex savory tones, the wine closes with long, soft tannins and hints of licorice, black pepper, and star anise.
[Information provided by Orin Swift Wine Cellars]

Wine: 2022 Orin Swift Cabernet Sauvignon Palermo
Score/Rating: 89
Suggested Drinking Window: 2024 - 2030
Review Date: 01/03/2025
Reviewed By: Joe Czerwinski
Tasting Notes: Originally, Palermo was composed of whatever Cabernet Sauvignon didn't make its way into Mercury Head, but now it is a separate program, although it does include press wine from all of Orin Swift's Cabernet lots. The 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon Palermo features gentle herbal nuances, redcurrants and cherries on the nose, while the full-bodied palate is soft, velvety and warm.

Wine: Orin Swift Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley Palermo 2022
Score/Rating: 88
Suggested Drinking Window: Drink now through 2026
Review Date: 01/20/2025
Reviewed By: James Molesworth
Tasting Notes: This delivers a gush of soft-edged boysenberry and blackberry preserve notes, followed by a gloss of roasted vanilla and melted licorice on the finish. Shows weight and flesh but is shy on form. For fans of the style. Drink now through 2026.