Orin Swift's new juice

Orin Swift's Palermo

Home Office
Thursday, March 24th, 2011

When it comes to the wine industry, there are many things for people of all different interests to become overly enthusiastic about. Great vintages, +90 rated wines, reviews, USDA certifications, the list goes on for why people get so enthralled to see what's new and what's hot in the business of vitis vinifera. For me honestly, there is only one thing that is done domestically, that makes it feel like Christmas in July... the news of a new release from my favorite producer: Orin Swift. At home, my cellar is composed primarily of Spanish, French, New Zealand, and Australian wines some ready to drink, some needing another 5-10years... but amongst the wines found in my collection there generally is only one domestic producer found. From Mercury Head to Papillon, their fascinating portfolio of wines have always intrigued me, bold blends matched with equally bold flavors, always encompassed in beautiful presentation, these wines are wines never to be missed. So with the new release Palermo, I was eager as could be to explore another Orin Swift creation.

Just as other Swift's before it, when you hold Palermo in your hand, you already know it is going to be something special. The heavy glass with an almost pearlescent black capsule stand clean and stoic while the label is long, filling most the length and width of the bottle with a boldly colored portrayal of the patron saint of Palermo, Italy: Saint Rosalia. The pour is dark with a ruby/garnet rim, with beautiful legs on the glass as per the 15.5% ALC, the nose is bold with massive tannins and sweet cherry notes. As you venture onto the drink, the wine is complex from the get-go, brilliant black-raspberry tones coupled with aged tobacco and tantalizing acidity. The mid-palate is prevalent with fruit while maintaining a silky mouth feel which leads into a lingering finish of layered chocolates, crushed tannins, and elegant depth.

Now it's beyond pulling teeth for me to get as excited and impressed overall for any wine as I was for my first sip of Papillon, but this wine is pushing it... With a beautiful drink & unique package priced amazingly at $28.99, Palermo is a prominent continuation in the brilliant legacy that is Orin Swift.

cheers,
Casey Capper

Posted by Mark Fetter on April 4th, 2011 | Permalink