Orin Swift Palermo 2021

Traditionally, Palermo included wine that didn’t make it into Mercury Head or Papillon, but winemaker Dave Phinney now buys some fruit specifically targeted for this bottling. The 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Palermo – a blend of estate-grown and purchased fruit aged 11 months in 34% new oak – includes small proportions of Merlot and Malbec. Offering up cherries, cassis and slightly earthy scents, plus hints of cinnamon and nutmeg on the nose, it’s full-bodied and nicely balanced, with its firmness matched by softness. It’s just a nice drink overall. Drink date: 2023-2033. Score – 90. (Joe Czerwinski, robertparker.com, May 4, 2023)