ORIN SWIFT
EL COCO RED BLEND
NAPA VALLEY • CALIFORNIA • USA
"Bottled mysticism: an ode to the richness of California's ancient vineyards with Dave Phinney's unmistakable signature."
Power, Art, and Tradition
El Coco Red Wine is a collector's item from Orin Swift. Inspired by California's field blend tradition, this wine uses grapes from historic Napa Valley parcels. Its Zinfandel core brings explosive, spicy fruitiness, while Petite Sirah gives it impenetrable color and massive tannic structure. It is an opulent, dense wine, loaded with complexity that evolves minute by minute in the glass.
1. Technical Details
Winery: Orin Swift Cellars.
Origin: Napa Valley (selected vineyards from St. Helena and Calistoga).
Varietals: Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, and Merlot.
Aging: 15 months in French oak barrels (predominantly new).
Alcohol: 15.6% vol.
Aging Potential: 10 to 15 years.
2. Luxury Tasting Notes
Appearance: Dark purple, almost black, with intense garnet rims.
Nose: A dense aromatic profile with notes of black blackberries, dried figs, and black pepper, followed by layers of dark chocolate, mocha, and a hint of damp earth and cedar.
Palate: Massive and unctuous entry. The palate is filled with ripe black fruits and sweet spices. Despite its power, it maintains a surprising freshness. The tannins are dense but polished, leading to an eternal finish with hints of graphite and cocoa.
3. Intensity Profile
4. High-End Moments and Pairings
Gourmet Pairing: Due to its robustness, it requires highly intense dishes. Perfect with dry-aged meat cuts, baked lamb ribs, potent stews, or author's Mexican cuisine (like a Mole Negro). It is also excellent with blue cheeses and high-percentage chocolate.
Suggested Moments:
- Business: A high-profile label that generates conversation and immediate respect.
- Gift: An exclusive gift for collectors and Orin Swift lovers.
- Special Celebration: To open on unique occasions that demand a wine with soul and power.
- Carnita Asada: Masterfully accompanies high-end cuts like a grilled Tomahawk.
- Romantic Dinner: To share a mystical and enveloping bottle.
- Family Meal: When the occasion calls for uncorking a cellar gem.
frequently asked questions (FAQS)
Is it a high-alcohol wine?
Yes, it has a high alcohol content (15.6%), which is characteristic of high-end Napa Zinfandels. However, its fruit balance makes it feel warm and silky, not aggressive.
Does it need aeration?
Definitely. Being such a dense and concentrated wine, we recommend decanting it at least 60 minutes before consuming it so that its layers of aromas fully open up.
What type of barrel is used?
It is aged primarily in new French oak barrels, which gives it its creamy structure and toasted notes.
