Each bottle of Machete is a little different from the next thanks to Orin Swift’s bold collaboration with avantgarde photographer Caitlin Mitchell. In total there are twelve labels, each bearing a breathtaking image which captures an distinct aspect of this quirky wine’s personality. The unusual name, Machete, was chosen by winemaker David Swift Phinney to reflect his ambition to create a groundbreaking Californian Petite Sirah blend. Composed of predominantly Petite Sirah along with modest quantities of Syrah and Grenache all sourced from prime vineyard sites, the wine is aged in French oak for 10 months to reveal a varietal character that is simultaneously robust and elegant.
Robust, dominant and unapologetic, the wine creates its own gravity, pulling all towards it with vintage after vintage resulting in a stellar blend of Petite Sirah, Syah and Grenache.
A dark mauve core with a neon purple rim, the wine stains everything. Opening aromatics on the 2020 Machete are gorgeous immediately: ripe pluot, carne asada, new cowboy boots, lilacs, espresso bean and wet concrete. On the palate, layers upon layers reveal themselves, from a plum galette topped with fior di latte gelato to 85% cacao dark chocolate to barbequed tri-tip and sweet oak. Puckering tannins to finish, the wine closes on a high note with a touch of blood orange zest and lingering acidity.
Decant 2 hours before serving.
