Description
Winemaker Notes
The upfront aromatics of the wine transports one to the Cabernet Sauvignon vineyards listed above during harvest; notes of ripe and crunchy blackcurrant means it’s almost time to pick. The nose of the 2019 Mercury Head has a concentrated dose of that aroma along with some redcurrant, fresh thyme, sandalwood and garrigue. Profound, yet classic, the palate expresses blackberry and raspberry preserves, a touch of rhubarb and toffee with some black tea and licorice accents. A final hint of chocolate covered espresso bean and ultra-soft tannins frames the extensive finish.
Critical Acclaim
RP95
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
A barrel selection of the winery's best Cabernet, the backbone of the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Mercury Head comes from three vineyards: Stagecoach, Morisoli and Taplin-Lewelling. It's roughly similar in new-oak content to the rest of the Orin Swift wines, coming in at 43% new, enough to imprint hints of cedar on the cherry and cassis fruit. Full-bodied and silky, it's big, rich and concentrated, without being heavy, while finishing long and mouthwatering, with softly dusty tannins and a hint of warmth.
WS93
Wine Spectator
Ripe, juicy and solidly built, with plum compote and blackberry paste flavors laced with licorice root, tar and sassafras notes. There's a pretty flash of violet through the finish, as the fruit pumps through.
