Orin Swift Cellars Machete 2022

Orin Swift Cellars Machete 2022 is a Petite Sirah-dominant red blend from California produced by winemaker Dave Phinney. Known for its unapologetic intensity and inky concentration, Machete stands apart from other wines in the Orin Swift portfolio by leaning into the raw power and tannic grip that Petite Sirah delivers. The blend typically incorporates complementary varieties such as Syrah, Grenache, and Mourvèdre, though the exact composition shifts with each vintage as Phinney sources fruit across multiple California appellations. This is a wine built for drinkers who want density and depth without apology.

Tasting Notes:

Aroma: The nose opens with concentrated blackberry preserves and ripe boysenberry, followed by layers of cracked black pepper, smoked meat, and dried violet. A subtle undercurrent of dark cocoa and espresso bean emerges as the wine opens in the glass.

Taste: The palate entry is immediate and full-bodied, hitting with dark plum compote and black cherry before transitioning into a mid-palate of licorice root, baking spice, and char. The texture is thick and mouth-coating, with firm tannins that provide substantial structure. There is noticeable weight here — this is a wine that fills every corner of the palate.

Finish: The finish is long and persistent, carrying echoes of roasted coffee, dark chocolate, and a faint smokiness that lingers well past the last sip. Tannins remain present through the close, drying gently without turning astringent.

How to Serve Orin Swift Machete 2022:

Serve at 62–65°F in a large-bowled red wine glass to allow the dense aromatics room to open. Decanting for at least 45 minutes to an hour is recommended, especially if drinking within the first two to three years of release — the wine's concentrated tannins soften considerably with air. Machete can also be cellared for five to seven years for those who prefer a more integrated, tertiary character. This is a red blend that rewards patience but also delivers genuine satisfaction young if properly aerated.

Food Pairings:

The tannic backbone and savory depth of Machete 2022 make it a natural partner for rich, high-fat dishes. Grilled ribeye steak with a peppercorn crust stands up to the wine's intensity without being overwhelmed. Braised short ribs in a red wine reduction mirror the wine's dark fruit and spice. Smoked brisket with a bark-heavy rub echoes the charred, smoky notes on the finish. For something beyond red meat, try it alongside aged Gouda or a mushroom and truffle risotto. Even dark chocolate torte works as a dessert pairing, picking up on the cocoa and espresso threads that run through the wine.

Best For:

• Bold red wine lovers who enjoy Petite Sirah blends
• Pairing with grilled steaks and braised meats
• Gifting to fans of intense California red wines
• Cellar-worthy bottles for aging five to seven years

Frequently Asked Questions:

What does Orin Swift Machete 2022 taste like? Orin Swift Machete 2022 delivers concentrated dark fruit — blackberry, plum, and black cherry — layered with licorice, baking spice, smoked meat, and dark chocolate. The texture is full-bodied with firm, grippy tannins and a long, smoky finish.

How does Orin Swift Machete compare to The Prisoner Red Blend? Both are bold California red blends created by Dave Phinney, though he sold The Prisoner brand in 2010. Machete is Petite Sirah-dominant with a heavier tannic structure and darker fruit profile, while The Prisoner leads with Zinfandel and tends toward a rounder, more fruit-forward, immediately approachable style.

Is Orin Swift Machete good for sipping neat? Machete is absolutely suitable for sipping on its own, especially after decanting for 45 minutes to an hour to let the tannins relax. Its complexity and concentration reward slow, attentive drinking without food, though it also shines alongside rich dishes.

Where is Orin Swift Machete made? Orin Swift Cellars is based in Oakville, Napa Valley, California, and was founded by Dave Phinney in 1998. Machete sources fruit from multiple California regions, allowing Phinney to blend for consistency and intensity across vintages.

What foods pair well with Orin Swift Machete 2022? Grilled ribeye with peppercorn crust, braised short ribs, smoked brisket, aged Gouda, mushroom and truffle risotto, and dark chocolate torte all pair exceptionally well with Machete's tannic grip and dark fruit concentration.

Why Buy Orin Swift?

Dave Phinney founded Orin Swift Cellars in 1998, naming the winery after his father's middle name and his mother's maiden name. Before Orin Swift became widely recognized, Phinney created The Prisoner — one of the most commercially successful California red blends of the 2000s. He sold that brand and refocused entirely on Orin Swift, building a portfolio known for unconventional blends, striking label artwork, and a winemaking philosophy that prioritizes bold flavor over convention. Orin Swift wines are sourced from premier vineyards across California and, in some cases, international regions, reflecting Phinney's reputation as one of the most creatively driven winemakers working in the state today.