2018 Swanson Merlot

2018 Swanson Merlot

2018 Swanson Merlot

Deep dark in glass with gorgeous aromas of blue fruit, pie crust and a touch of coconut husk. On the palate the rich texture combines well with the full-bodied tannins and ripe plum and cassis flavors. Layers of fruit intertwine with subtle secondary flavors of briar, cigar box and touch of graphite minerality.

Wine Spectator (91/100)

Creamy and rich-tasting, featuring plush dark fruit, Asian spice and forest floor flavors. Sanguine accents show midpalate, with notes of cinnamon bark on the finish. Drink now through 2024.

James Suckling (90/100)

Attractive aromas and flavors of blackberries and vanilla with hints of milk chocolate. Medium to full body, round and soft tannins and a delicious finish. Drink or hold.

Founded in 1985, Swanson’s mission is to strive to elevate cuisine with wines that marry the impeccable quality of Napa Valley fruit with the sensual character of old-world winemaking traditions to continue to glorify everyday rituals and prove that what even might be thought of as mundane can be elegant.

Undoubtedly proving its merit over and over, Napa Valley is a now a leading force in the world of prestigious red wine regions. Though Cabernet Sauvignon dominates Napa Valley, other red varieties certainly thrive here. Important but often overlooked include Merlot and other Bordeaux varieties well-regarded on their own as well as for their blending capacities. Very old vine Zinfandel represents an important historical stronghold for the region and Pinot noir is produced in the cooler southern parts, close to the San Pablo Bay.

Perfectly situated running north to south, the valley acts as a corridor, pulling cool, moist air up from the San Pablo Bay in the evenings during the hot days of the growing season, which leads to even and slow grape ripening. Furthermore the valley claims over 100 soil variations including layers of volcanic, gravel, sand and silt—a combination excellent for world-class red wine production.