Swanson Vineyards

Rutherford is home to some of the biggest names in Napa, but I have to confess, I hadn’t tasted anything from Swanson Vineyards until recently. Turns out it was love at first sight. Sometimes I find Pinot Grigio to be delightful–sometimes, Meh.  Swanson was definitely delightful. Great floral aroma, tangy, complex flavors–bringing both fruit and dryness into the picture. Outstanding summer-sipper.  21.00

My family tasted the Swanson Vineyards merlot last week and raved about it. My daughter, who knows what she likes in red wines, compared the Swanson merlot to a very expensive red a good friend brought to dinner recently. This little beauty seriously reminded me of just how good a merlot can be. Of course it does have a healthy splash (12%) of Cabernet Sauvignon and 7% Petite Verdot in the mix. Winemaker Robin Akhurst clearly knows what’s what when it comes to blending. 32.00