Papillon 2018 - Orin Swift Cellars

Why We Love It

Papillon is one of the boldest expressions from Orin Swift Cellars — a cult Napa Valley winery founded by Dave Phinney and celebrated for its unapologetic style, striking label art, and meticulous vineyard sourcing.

The 2018 vintage blends Cabernet Sauvignon with Merlot, Petit Verdot, and Malbec, all drawn from premier Napa sites. It’s rich, full-bodied and deeply expressive, with layers of cassis, dark plum, mint and spice, lifted by flinty mineral and a smoky edge. Ripe tannins and vibrant acidity give it both immediate impact and long-term structure.

For fans of Napa Bordeaux blends, this is modern California winemaking with edge. A cellar-worthy wine with serious presence — and proof that power and polish can go hand in hand.

Critical Praise

• 94 pts – Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate

• 94 pts – Natalie MacLean: “Robust, vibrant, and gorgeous.”

• 93 pts – Wine Spectator

Condition

Capsule Status: Intact

Label Quality: Excellent

Ullage: Into neck

Important Notes on Cabinet Wines

Many of the wines we sell in the Cabinet are from old vintages. Ageing can have truly wonderful effects on wine. Those effects are influenced by a range of factors, both within and outside the bottle, meaning two bottles from the same vintage may have different profiles. If you are new to older wines — and if so, welcome! — please keep in mind that you may encounter a range of flavours and aromas not found in younger wines.