Reviews & Ratings

2005 Swanson Vineyards Merlot "Oakville"

Winery: Swanson Vineyards

Vintage: 2005

Wine Name/Vineyard: "Oakville"

Wine Category: Merlot

Grape blend: 86% Merlot, 5% Cabernet, & 4% Syrah

Bottle size: 750 ml

Region: Oakville

State or country: CA

Price: $36

Cases produced: 15,300

KWG Score: 88.5 (based on 6 reviews)

Ken's Wine Rating: Very Good (88.4)

Review date: August 8, 2008

Wine Review: Swanson is a leader in Merlot and this year’s entry was recommended again by our tasting panel. This very dark ruby colored wine opens with a pleasant blueberry bouquet. On the palate, this medium bodied wine is smooth, elegant, but could use a little more structure. The flavor profile was gentle dusty blueberry flavors. The finish is quite dry with fine tannins that persist. The panel felt this very agreeable wine would pair perfectly with filet mignon. Enjoy - KWGTP

Winemaker Notes: The 2005 Swanson Merlot is the 3rd Swanson vintage for which I have been responsible. The task of capturing Merlot at optimum phenolic ripeness may not get easier, but at least we learn more about what to look for with each passing year. The 2005, I believe proves this point. This is an ‘iron fist in a velvet glove’ wine, with the extract and power expected of its Oakville provenance, yet possessing the finesse, grace and complexity of a right-bank Bordeaux. Smoky blackberry and black licorice aromas. Round, ripe and supple, with lingering thickness and fine-grained tannin on the palate, echoing very nicely the afore-mentioned aromas. While certainly drinkable today, this Merlot will continue to cellar nicely for 6 to 8 more years. - Chris Phelps, Winemaker

Buy it: Use 1000 Corks to find stores that sell Swanson 2005 Merlot Oakville.