Orin Swift Mercury Head is a bold and complex red wine that is an excellent representation of the Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. The wine is named after the Roman god Mercury, who was the messenger of the gods and the patron of travelers and merchants, symbolizing the wine's ability to transport the drinker on a journey of the senses. The wine is characterized by its intense aromas of black cherry, cassis, espresso, and chocolate, which fuse with the flavors of vanilla, tobacco, and dark fruit. The tannins are well-structured and smooth, leading to a long and luscious finish. Overall, Orin Swift Mercury Head is a luxurious wine that is perfect for special occasions and deserving of a place in any wine collector's cellar.

Tasting Notes

A familiar nose of pedigree, the wine opens with aromatics of ripe raspberry, blackcurrant, cigar box and a hint of fresh sandalwood shavings and Herbs de Provence—mysteriously intriguing at first but evolving into a thoroughbred with time and air. Dense and layered on the palate, an immediate note of mixed berry strudel topped with fresh cream, fresh black raspberry and soft tannins akin to baking chocolate transition to a finish of both nuance and concentration. Still young, the wine will continue to evolve gracefully while retaining its luscious quality and classic Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon nature.

About the Winery

The history and venture of Orin Swift date back to as late as 1995 and begins with winemaker David Swift Phinney. David had been involved in the winemaking business for a long time, working in renowned wineries of the Napa Valley region. The experience and know-how he gained from his hands-on job at these places, including Whitehall Lane and Robert Mondavi Winery, helped him significantly later on to manage Orin Swift. Even as a student, he took up a friend’s offer and visited Florence, Italy. There, he got introduced to the wonders of wine. He also learnt the methods and practices of winemaking, getting him hooked.

David decided that if he had to work so hard, he would do it for himself a few years into his job at the wineries. This motivation led to the establishment of Orin Swift in 1998.

The appellation of the winery serves as a tribute to his parents. Orin is the name of his father, and Swift, the maiden name of his mother.

David started with merely two tons of the grape variety zinfandel. He spent all his efforts in the next decade to create and produce wines. He worked tirelessly to grow the brand to today’s level.

Some people say that it was not arduous for David Swift Phinney to develop Orin Swift to what it is today. After all, the winemaker had always been known for creating catchy, creative, and clever labels for the wine bottles. Even today, the winery continues to make memorable marks to signify the uniqueness of its wines. Their portfolio consists of provocative brands like Machete, whose label depicts sparsely clad models holding the blade, the machete. Other notable wine bottles include Trigger Warning that portrays a photo showing a boy aiming a gun towards the camera’s direction.

https://www.orinswift.com

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