What Does it All Mean?
March 19, 2008

Proprietor-winemaker Dave Phinney's incarceration theme prevails with his premiere release of the "Papillon". Drawing reference to the 1973 prison escape movie Papillon, starring Steve McQueen and Dustin Hoffman, Phinney, under the moniker label Orin Swift Cellars, has found a new marketing cellmate for his cult followed, Zin based wine "The Prisoner".

 

Based on the true story of Henri Chamiere, also known as Papillon, which is French for "butterfly" (the character even sports a large tatoo of a butterfly).  A petty criminal, Papillon is wrongly convicted of murder and sentenced to life in a French penal colony in Guiane (French Guiana, South America).  Papillon is determined to escape, but his repeated attempts are thwarted, resulting in his eventual recapture and incarcerations to solitary confinement as punishment.    

The 2005 Orin Swift Papillon is a modern, internationally styled "Bordeaux blend" from Napa Valley sourced fruit! - 63% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Merlot , 9% Cabernet Franc , 7% Malbec and 2% Petite Verdot.  The renown international wine guru-consultant Monsieur Michael Rolland should probably be taking notes on the processes employed by Phinney to produce this statement wine.  Certainly, there is more going on here than Rolland's technique to soften astringent tannins by aerating a wine with tiny bubbles ("micro-oxygenation"). 

Big, forward, ripe, spice ladden black and blue fruit aromas, are followed by a lush entry that glides across the palate with a Zamboni-like, freshly finished smoothness.  Nothing light and airy like a butterfly here; this wine is all about instant gratification and pleasure.  Should be captivating for a five year term.