“If you are like me and believe that a wine is to be judged on just how delicious it is, you will be as impressed as I have been with Orin Swift.” – Robert Parker

MACHETE! By ORIN SWIFT!

Our first Orin Swift has landed, and it’s every bit the crowd-pleasing, palate-thumper you hope for. At a price that you’ve never seen. From the $65 release price, we dropped it by nearly half off so there’s no doubt this will move FAST…

If you aren’t familiar with Orin Swift, you must be new to wine. Unadulterated and unapologetic. They changed the game with this wine’s Zin-based counterpart called The Prisoner years ago, and then went on a tear, reframing just about everything “traditional” in the winemaking game.

Unmistakable label designs and outside-the-box winemaking styles defined the brand, which was built under the supervision of visionary winemaker Dave Phinney. He sold it years ago, but it remains true to the defining style.

Machete is a perfect example of that style. Robert Parker calls it “another innovative and genius effort… that shows his tendency to produce wines of great intensity and personality.” A kitchen sink blend that’s raw, powerful, massively concentrated, and built for the hedonists. Like this one, it usually relies on a foundation of inky Petite Sirah, Syrah, and Grenache. A bit of Zin and Viognier (!) rounds this vintage out.

Rich, ripe, and fruit-forward, but still complex enough to keep your mind reeling in wonder. Brambly black and red fruit dominate in a lush, palate-soaking manner, with spiced violets, glazed walnuts, rich vanilla-laced tobacco, and well-integrated oak all coming together in full force.

Do not miss this one.

92 Points – Owen Bargreen “The 2020 Machete is a proprietary blend that was stored in 34% new French oak for 14 months before bottling. A soft texture greets you as green peppercorns greet you alongside black currant jelly, cigar ash and dark chocolate shavings with kirsch cordial notes… this is a really good effort.”

91 Points – Wine Spectator “A hearty and eclectic blend, appealing for the lively raspberry, garrigue and smoked meat accents, which race toward medium-grained tannins. Petite Sirah, Syrah, Grenache, Zinfandel, and Viognier. Drink now through 2029.”