Papillon is a Napa Valley Bordeaux blend comprised of all five varietals. French for ‘butterfly’, it elicits an amalgamation of emotional responses; a delicate butterfly and the weathered hands of a farmer; a boisterous wine that also has an elegant side. Sourced from across Napa, much of the wine is made from the Stagecoach Vineyard with a small portion of fruit coming from just over the county line at the Monte Rosso Vineyard. Together, each varietal lends its own strengths and personalities to produce a blend hardly seen anymore today.
Pouring an opaque crimson core with a brooding cardinal rim, the 2022 Papillon opens with aromatic notes of ripe cassis, blackberry, coastal chapparal, cedar box and allspice. On entry, the palate continues many of the same notes from the nose—cassis, pluot, blueberry, boysenberry, shaved fennel bulb and a touch of earth. A round, weighty mid-palate effortlessly gives way to dusty, coating tannins—a pleasing texture—and finishing hints of barbeque tri-tip, Madagascar vanilla and toffee.
Blend: Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Merlot & Petit Verdot
94 Decanter A proprietary red blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Merlot, and Petit Verdot, aged for 13 months in 44% new French oak. Richly layered with black cherry and blackberry fruit, this wine delivers unexpectedly grippy tannins, standing out in a vintage where softer structures are more common. More grip, more power, and more bang for the buck than many others from this year. The palate is defined by crunchy, sappy tannins that fill the mid-palate, gradually resolving into warm brown baking spices. To fully appreciate its structure and depth, serve at cellar temperature in large Bordeaux stems after an hour of decanting—allowing it to build in richness and cohesion, with seamless integration of its robust tannins and juicy acid tension. Drinking Window: 2025 - 2034
93 Owen Bargreen A delicious wine to enjoy now, the 2022 ‘Pappillon’ is a proprietary blend of Cabernet Sauvignon with smaller parts Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Merlot and Petit Verdot. Stored for 13 months in 40% new French oak before bottling, this offers red bell pepper and black licorice on the nose alongside sandalwood and shades of creme de cassis. The palate is soft and inviting with a smooth texture. Loaded with dense dark fruit flavors, enjoy now and over the next eight years. Drink: 2024 to 2032
