The 2021 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, known as Mercury Head Wine 2021, marks a triumphant return for Orin Swift Cellars after a brief hiatus. Under the skilled hands of winemaker Dave Phinney, and with the meticulous sourcing of grapes from the prestigious vineyards of Stagecoach, Warnock, Morisoli, and Taplin, the Mercury Head Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 is not just a wine but a celebration of Napa Valley’s unparalleled terroir. This release was met with palpable anticipation, and the excitement in the cellar was evident as the team worked to craft a blend that lived up to the legacy of the famed Mercury Head dimes.
In the glass, Mercury Head Wine 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon presents an almost-black, opaque garnet core, signaling the depth and intensity that await. The wine weeps slowly down the sides of the glass, a precursor to its rich, full-bodied texture. The aroma is a complex tapestry of ripe cassis, the smoky allure of charred ribeye, the earthiness of sandalwood, and the warmth of freshly cut oak. These immediate notes invite a deeper exploration into the bouquet of this exquisite Cabernet Sauvignon.
The palate is greeted with a layered conundrum of flavors, from the dark fruitiness of blackberry and black plum to the herbaceous fennel and the sweetness of licorice, all underpinned by the luxuriousness of dark chocolate. Subsequent sips reveal a wine that is both rich and balanced, centered around a deep core of cassis, and culminating in a finish that lingers sweetly, adorned with softly textured chalky tannins. Aged for 13 months in French Oak, of which 58% is new, the Mercury Head 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon achieves an alcohol content of 15.5%, embodying the full expression of its varietal and vintage.
Critical Acclaims for Mercury Head Wine 2021 (Cab Sauv) have been stellar, with the Wine Advocate awarding it 96 points. The acclaim highlights the wine’s full-bodied and velvety mouthfeel, enriched by a bouquet of menthol and cedar over a base of ripe cassis and cherries. The finish, lengthy and adorned with a hint of dark chocolate, solidifies its status as a wine of distinction. Dave Phinney’s expectation to bottle a “typical volume” of more than 6,000 cases reflects the confidence in maintaining the exceptional quality that the Mercury Head Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 and its predecessors have established.
Mercury Head Wine 2021 is more than a testament to the skill of Orin Swift Cellars and winemaker Dave Phinney; it is a narrative of anticipation, craftsmanship, and the continued legacy of excellence in Napa Valley winemaking. Each bottle of Mercury Head Wine 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon is a blend of history, artistry, and the unmistakable character of its origins, promising an unforgettable experience for those fortunate enough to savor it.
