2006 Swanson Oakville Merlot

Swanson Vineyards is a 100-acre estate in Oakville founded in 1985 by Clark Swanson Jr., an heir to Swanson Foods and a newspaper publisher. He bought the former Cassayre-Forni winery in Rutherford. The estate produces a full portfolio of wines including Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio and dessert wines. The prestige wine is the Alexis Cabernet Sauvignon, named after Swanson’s daughter.

Oakville AVA is one of the two or three most prestigious appellations in the United States. Located in the heart of Napa Valley, its 5,000 vineyard acres produce some of the world’s most acclaimed Cabernet Sauvignon, including such California “cult” Cabs as Screaming Eagle and Harlan Estate. Before those boutique producers rose to fame in the 1990s, Oakville was already renowned as home to Robert Mondavi, Opus One and Groth Vineyards, among others. Along with the famous wineries, there are premier vineyards in this AVA, including Martha’s Vineyard and To Kalon Vineyard. To Kalon was first planted in 1868 by H.W. Crabb, one of California’s first viticultural researchers, and he named the vineyard after the ancient Greek phrase for “most beautiful.” Though many grapes can be successfully grown in Oakville, Cabernet Sauvignon is king. Merlot and Chardonnay are also frequently planted. Oakville Cabs are prized for their richness, complexity and weight. Oakville was designated as an AVA in 1993.

The Merlot grape is such a deep blue that it is named for the blackbird. It’s an early ripening grape and one of the primary varietals used In Bordeaux. Merlot is also grown in the "International style," which is harvested later to bring out more tannins and body.