2012 Orin Swift, Mercury Head, Napa Valley, Bottle (750ml)

RP96 "The 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Mercury Head, which comes from primarily St. Helena vineyards blended with fruit from the Stagecoach Vineyard on Atlas Peak, is a fabulous 100% Cabernet Sauvignon aged 16 months in 50% new French oak. A Mercury Head dime is actually embedded in the bottle’s glass and represents the front label. If that’s not original enough, the wine itself is fabulous. Its dense purple color is followed by notes of blackcurrants, black raspberries, acacia flowers, cedarwood and a touch of espresso. Swift is so quality conscience he declassified both the 2010 and 2011, so this is the first vintage he has produced since 2009. Full-bodied with sweet, well-integrated tannins, enough acidity for delineation and brightness, and a 45+-second finish, this stunning 2012 can be drunk now or aged for 20-25 years."