HENRY WINE GROUP® Swanson Merlot 2013 [1.5L MAGNUM] (Oakville, Napa Valley, California) – 6043440906399

Notes from the Winemaker:
Aromatically complex, this vintage brings forth crushed re d fruits, rip
plums, blackberries and a touch of cigar box. On the palate, the
characteristically smooth tannins blend with flavors such as plum,
cassis, vanilla followed up by a cocoa dust finish. Initially
approachable, this wine carries power on the finish with a 10-15 second
palate longevity. More of a f ood wine than our Napa Valley Merlot, this
wine cries out fo r Moroccan lamb tagine or a simple heritage pork chop
with gravy and mashed potatoes. Cellar through 2025.
– Robin Akhurst, Winemaker

Vineyards:
Coming from a combination of the Swanson Family Estate vineyard and other Oakville vineyards, this blend represents the very best merlot that the region offers. Farmed impeccably, we are able to be selective in our vineyard practives to optimize yield and achieve the ripeness we desire. Favoring quality over quantity, we deliberately keep our crop low and allow for a long hang time on the vine, building intense flavors and retaining natural acidity.

Alcohol content 14.8%
Oak 15% New French oak, 15% New American oak and 70% Used French oak
Case Production 249

Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate:
“Swanson’s 2013 Merlot, 81% Merlot and the rest Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot, has a saturated dark color, but seems narrowly constructed and not very charming, even for a 2013. It’s a big wine, but burly and disjointed. Drink it over the next 7-8 years.” – Robert M. Parker, Jr. (30th Dec 2015)