Swanson Vineyards
Cygnet Napa Valley Merlot
Oakville, Napa Valley, California, USA
Here is my #MerlotThursday for this week.
Dark ruby in color with a short purple rim.
A typical Napa nose of blackberries, black cherries, plums, cedar, vanilla, leather, spices, earth, chocolates, coffee, black pepper, light vegetables, pencil lead and cola.
Medium plus in body with medium acidity and long legs.
Dry and fruity on the palate with blackberries, black currants, sweet cherries, cedar, leather, earth, vegetables, vanilla, chocolates, dark coffee, spices, bitter herbs and peppercorn.
Medium plus on the finish with round tannins and spices.
This Napa Merlot is always enjoyable. Well balanced with nice complexity and mouthfeel. A little bitter on the ending.
Good right out of the bottle and changes as it opens up (60 minutes), and shows some tannins and earthiness.
Good by itself or with food like BBQ Meats.
This 5 year old is still drinking nicely, but it's not going to get any better from now on.
A blend of 93% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Syrah. Aged for 18 months in French oak barrels.
14.6% alcohol by volume.
88 points.
$22.
Here is my #MerlotThursday for this week.
Dark ruby in color with a short purple rim.
A typical Napa nose of blackberries, black cherries, plums, cedar, vanilla, leather, spices, earth, chocolates, coffee, black pepper, light vegetables, pencil lead and cola.
Medium plus in body with medium acidity and long legs.
Dry and fruity on the palate with blackberries, black currants, sweet cherries, cedar, leather, earth, vegetables, vanilla, chocolates, dark coffee, spices, bitter herbs and peppercorn.
Medium plus on the finish with round tannins and spices.
This Napa Merlot is always enjoyable. Well balanced with nice complexity and mouthfeel. A little bitter on the ending.
Good right out of the bottle and changes as it opens up (60 minutes), and shows some tannins and earthiness.
Good by itself or with food like BBQ Meats.
This 5 year old is still drinking nicely, but it's not going to get any better from now on.
A blend of 93% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Syrah. Aged for 18 months in French oak barrels.
14.6% alcohol by volume.
88 points.
$22.
Here is my Thursday's Merlot fix. This time it's a nice one from Napa Valley.
Dark ruby in color with a purplish rim.
Fruity nose of blackberries, sweet cherries, blueberry pie, cedar, strong vanilla bean, leather, earth, graphite, chocolates, mocha, cigar box, caramel and peppercorn.
Full-bodied and bold with medium acidity and long legs.
Dry on the palate with black currants, sweet plums, sweet cherries, wood, earth, vanilla, licorice, leather, spices, dark coffee, peppercorn and dark chocolates.
Medium plus on the finish with round tannins and tangy cranberries.
This Napa Merlot is drinking nicely now. Showing nice balance, good complexity and a great mouthfeel .
Needs an hour to open up properly and show some tannins, but good right out of the bottle.
Good by itself or with food. I paired it with Beef sliders on a brioche bun and a fireplace.
A blend of 93% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Syrah. Aged for 18 months in French oak barrels.
14.6% alcohol by volume.
$22.
Here is my Thursday's Merlot fix. This time it's a nice one from Napa Valley.
Dark ruby in color with a purplish rim.
Fruity nose of blackberries, sweet cherries, blueberry pie, cedar, strong vanilla bean, leather, earth, graphite, chocolates, mocha, cigar box, caramel and peppercorn.
Full-bodied and bold with medium acidity and long legs.
Dry on the palate with black currants, sweet plums, sweet cherries, wood, earth, vanilla, licorice, leather, spices, dark coffee, peppercorn and dark chocolates.
Medium plus on the finish with round tannins and tangy cranberries.
This Napa Merlot is drinking nicely now. Showing nice balance, good complexity and a great mouthfeel .
Needs an hour to open up properly and show some tannins, but good right out of the bottle.
Good by itself or with food. I paired it with Beef sliders on a brioche bun and a fireplace.
A blend of 93% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Syrah. Aged for 18 months in French oak barrels.
14.6% alcohol by volume.
$22.
Very nice taste. Not too bold but great flavor. Would highly recommend.
Very nice taste. Not too bold but great flavor. Would highly recommend.
Jan 13th, 2018