2012 Swanson Merlot Napa Valley

 A cab-lover's Merlot...   Merlot has remained at the core Swanson Vineyards’ identity since Clarke Swanson purchased the estate vineyard in 1985. The clay-loam soil in the 75-acre Oakville vineyard and close relationships with several of Napa’s best growers are the most vital factors in our quest to make Napa Valley’s premier Merlot.especially in the world of wine.

Winemaker Notes: Immediately inviting, the nose opens like a summer’s day, ripe fruit, red currant, strawberries and rose petals. On the palate the wine delivers crisp raspberry acidity alongside a succulent and dense mouth feel. Precise tannins give a refreshing lift to this well-structured Merlot. Built to be immediately assessable as well as rewarding medium cellaring (5-7years) this good-natured wine will pair well with a wide variety of foods.
- Robin Akhurst, Winemaker

2012 was a near perfect growing season. A mild spring delivered good fruit set followed by a warm summer and fall, allowing perfect ripeness. With no pressure to pick, we were able to let the grapes hang on the vine, to deliver the very best flavors. Thick skins and very little disease pressure gave us clean grapes that required little sorting in the winery.