2018 Orin Swift Machete Petite Sirah Syrah Grenache, Sonoma

Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2018 Proprietary Red Machete needs some swirling to reveal a core of beautiful crushed black plums, boysenberries and black cherry compote plus hints of cracked black pepper, garrigue and camphor. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is laden with muscular, crunchy black fruits and plush tannins, finishing long with lovely freshness. 22,563 cases were made.

93 points Lisa Perrotti-Brown robertparker.com

The Orin Swift Machete Petite Sirah Syrah Grenache from Sonoma is one of Dave Phinney’s most powerful and unapologetically bold wines, a dark, brooding red that has become a cult favourite in the Orin Swift portfolio. True to Phinney’s style, it’s not only the wine that makes an impression but also the striking, provocative label art – a hallmark of the Machete series.

Machete is built around Petite Sirah, a grape celebrated for its inky colour, dense tannins and rich, black-fruited intensity. Syrah adds spice, savoury depth and smoked meat nuances, while Grenache brings brightness, aromatic lift and juiciness. The fruit is sourced from top vineyard sites across Sonoma, Napa and Mendocino, with low yields ensuring concentration and character. After fermentation in small lots, the wine is aged in French oak, giving it layers of mocha, spice and polish.

In the glass it is nearly opaque purple-black. The bouquet is heady and complex, showing blackberry, blueberry compote and black plum, alongside violet, lavender, black pepper, graphite, espresso and cocoa. The palate is full-bodied and muscular, with dense black and blue fruits wrapped in firm yet velvety tannins. Savoury undertones of smoked meat and licorice add intrigue, while oak contributes vanilla and spice. The finish is immense – long, powerful and lingering with dark fruit and chocolate.

Food pairings suit its scale and intensity: chargrilled ribeye, slow-braised short ribs, venison with juniper, or barbecued brisket. It also works with hearty vegetarian dishes like smoky bean cassoulet or roasted mushrooms with garlic and thyme. With 12 to 15 years of cellaring potential, Machete evolves into a wine of savoury complexity, developing notes of leather, tobacco and dried herbs while maintaining its dark fruit core.