Winemaker Notes
Deep ruby red in the glass, the flagship Swanson Merlot opens with ripe red fruits, silky cherry, raspberry, and juicy plum. Smooth and velvety on the palate, the wine is medium to full-bodied offering a well-balanced combination of fruit flavors and refined tannins. Ripe red and dark fruits continue to dominate, complemented by hints of chocolate and tobacco. The wine's structure provides an elegant and approachable finish.
Professional Ratings
-
James Suckling
Dark cherries, plums, walnuts and dark chocolate on the nose. Full-bodied with a polished, velvety texture and deep core of dark fruit in the middle. A rich red with a fruity, moderate finish.
-
Wine Enthusiast
Mint and oak-spice aromas lead to powerful black currants, cocoa and oak char flavors in this nicely oaked, chunky-textured wine. Sandy tannins give it a lot of grip at this young age. Best from 2026–2032.
As Napa Valley’s third most planted grape, Napa Valley Merlot shows time and time again its potential to produce exceptional results. Napa’s vaunted combination of climate, soil and the human factor of winemaking expertise lead to big, ripe, cellar-worthy and world-class versions.
Whether made by itself in single varietal bottlings or as an important role in Bordeaux Blends, Merlot continues a prominent role in this famous region. While Cabernet typically takes the lead role, Merlot’s contribution—even at 10% to 20% or so—is significant indeed. Often described as “the flesh on Cabernet’s bones,” Merlot lends a soft, round and plush character that beautifully complements Cabernet’s linear, full-throttle structure. Its flavors of plums plus subtle herbs and mint also dovetail nicely with Cabernet’s blackberry and cassis.