Orin Swift Machete, Red Blend, California, United States 2019

Pure inky garnet in the glass, the aromatics of plum compote, wild blackberries, crushed gravel, peanut brittle and Tahitian vanilla emanate. Massive on the entry, the mid-palate is diverse with flavors of dark plums, black pepper, Amarena cherries, slow-roasted Moroccan lamb and a marbled leather texture. Rich, enveloping and vivacious, the wine finishes with perpetuating energy and length—not to mention the satisfying tannins that rouse a desire for more.

96 Points Robert Parker: "The Proprietary Red Blend Machete finished at 15.7% natural alcohol and is a blend of Petite Sirah, Syrah and Grenache aged 10 months in 40% new French oak. This wine is telltale opaque bluish/purple with a super nose of barbecue meat and herbs, blackberries, blueberries, white flowers and sweet, dark raspberries in the background. The wine has fabulous texture, great intensity, full-bodied power (15.7%), and a long, long finish. It is a killer effort and like the Abstract, probably best drunk in its first 5-6 years of life because of its charm."

Machete is a blend of Petite Sirah, Syrah and Grenache.  Petite Sirah may be winemaker Dave Phinney’s favorite grape varietal and wine . He has been growing and making it since the 2000 vintage. Massive and powerful with intense color and structure, a limited release Petite Sirah blend called “Machete” was launched in 2009. The label concept has been two years in the making and is decidedly unique in its various formats.