Produced by Orin Swift Cellars, Machete is one of the winery’s most powerful and distinctive wines, showcasing Dave Phinney’s talent for creating bold blends that combine intensity with precision. Since founding Orin Swift in 1998, Phinney has become known for pushing the boundaries of California winemaking, sourcing fruit from exceptional vineyard sites and crafting wines that emphasise personality, richness and texture. Machete has developed a cult following for its deeply coloured, full-bodied style and its ability to balance opulence with freshness. The fruit is sourced from carefully selected vineyards across California, where warm growing conditions and low yields produce grapes of exceptional concentration and flavour.
The 2020 vintage is composed of 47% Petite Sirah, 30% Syrah and 23% Grenache. Each component is vinified separately before ageing in French oak and being blended to create a wine of remarkable depth and complexity. Petite Sirah provides structure, colour and dark fruit intensity, Syrah contributes savoury spice and aromatic lift, while Grenache brings brightness and texture. Aromas of blackberry compote, blueberry, black plum and cassis are layered with notes of dark chocolate, espresso, liquorice, cracked pepper and toasted oak. The palate is rich, dense and velvety, with abundant dark fruit, polished tannins and a long, lingering finish. Despite its formidable concentration, Machete retains balance and energy, making it a compelling expression of modern California winemaking that can be enjoyed now or cellared for further development.