If you’re looking for one-of-a-kind wines encased within evocative expressions of art, look no further than Orin Swift this autumn.
Expertly crafted by visionary Californian winemaker David Phinney, these iconic wines with their unique labels, depth, complexity and unashamed boldness make the perfect splash-out treat, whether for drinking alongside your favourite dishes or even offering a bottle as a gift.
Orin Swift Abstract 2020
Grenache, Petite Sirah, Syrah
While travelling the world, Dave Phinney carefully selected images from international magazines and reassembled them to create Abstract’s exciting and unique label. With a beautiful maroon colour in the glass, the 2020 Abstract is certain to get people talking. Aromas of black plum, boysenberry and bing cherry, with subtle lavender on the nose continue onto the palate, where they are coupled with dark chocolate and reduced blackberry. In the mouth it is light yet the drying tannins help supply a pleasant texture to the wine.
Food match: Pair with a roast pork centrepiece with all the trimmings or slow-cooked spiced aubergines.
Available at Majestic for £39.99
Orin Swift Palermo 2019
Cabernet Sauvignon
Taking inspiration from a National Geographic photo of a mummified priest, Palermo’s label was created to inspire dignity and power. This is reflected in the wine: a bold Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon that will wow your guests. A beautiful deep red, with slight cardinal glints, this wine is bursting with aromas of cassis, sunburnt raspberry, graphite and chaparral. This is mirrored on the palate, where further flavours of red liquorice, fresh fennel and mixed berry compote also rear their head. Integrated yet prominent tannins finish the wine with a touch of lingering black tea.
Food match: Pair with an indulgent beef wellington or umami chestnut and mushroom pie.
Available at Majestic for £49.99
Orin Swift Papillon 2018
Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Petit Verdot, Merlot
The juxtaposition of delicacy and roughness – the ‘papillon’ (French for butterfly) alongside the weathered farm hand, reflects the nuanced but bold flavours present in the wine. The powerful aromatics of ripe boysenberry, kirsch, mixed dark berry pie, California Coastal sagebrush and chaparral, lead to notes of blackberry and sweet black liquorice on the palate. Dusty tannins and notes of smooth black plum complete this beautiful, complex wine – an ideal gift for any wine lover this Christmas.
Food match: Pair with a New York strip steak or dark chocolate souffle.
Available at Harrods for £82
Orin Swift Machete 2018
Petite Sirah, Syrah, Grenache
Rather than just one label, there a dozen different labels for Machete. Inspired by a postman driving an old cop car, David Phinney set up a photo shoot using Calistoga’s moon-like landscape as a backdrop. Out of over 10,000 shots, the final twelve are found on bottles of this flavourful, yet smooth wine that appears almost black in the glass.
The opening aromas of wet stone, black plum and crushed gravel lead to bold flavours of mixed berry crepe, black liquorice and a touch of char. Layered and omnipotent in weight with a pleasant closing texture, this is the perfect addition to any Christmas dinner party.
Food match: Pair with a rosemary crusted rack of lamb or a leek and root vegetable gratin.
Available at Harrods for £62
Orin Swift Mannequin 2019
Chardonnay
Trends go in and out of style – be it wine or fashion. The one thing which remains a constant is the mannequin. This wine reflects the unique label by staying true to Orin Swift’s classic style whilst capturing what makes Chardonnay such a popular drink.
A delicate yellow gold hue and aromas of lemon, jasmine, and a touch of yellow chrysanthemum and fresh cut pineapple then follow. On the palate, a silky and opulent touch of juicy yellow peach and nectarine is balanced by an elegant finish of lemon zest, almond praline and toffee. Look out for this timeless Chardonnay in restaurants this Christmas, as it’s sure to be the talking point of any festive meal out.
Food match: Pair with a rich lobster linguini or an asparagus and mushroom risotto.
Available at Harrods for £45
