Wines from Oakville (California)

Lovely, just-ripe red fruit, dark cherry, and cassis dominate the nose, with layers of plum and raspberry rounding out the fruit notes. These are complemented by a rich, nutty character mingling with aromas of leather and hints of oak.  In the mouth, luscious, bright red fruit and supple tannins coat the palate and linger for a long and pleasing finish.

Aromatics of spiced plums, black cherry, vanilla and espresso. Rich entry reminiscent of chocolate covered cherries. Silver Medal, Los Angeles International Wine & Spirits Competition 2010

Opulent layers of cassis, blackberry, vanilla, and espresso coat the tongue while hints of roasted herbs and supple tannins tantalize the palate.

Wine Enthusiast says: "Explodes in cassis flavors spiced up with sweet, charry oak, and the tannins are fresh, young and vibrant, the kind that will usher this wine through a long lifetime." 92 Points (Exceptional), Gold Medal, 2006 World Wine Championships.

Exotically perfumed nose of violet and blackberry and the essence of grilled bread. The finish is long and sweet.

Characters of ripe cherry, plum, and tobacco with hints of cigar box and cedar. Well-extracted fruit and a dense tannin structure.

The 2008 Swanson Oakville Merlot is a charming wine, reminiscent more of the Right Bank of Bordeaux than Napa Valley.