SWANSON MERLOT - 1999

Napa Valley Merlot from one of the premiere California winemakers. Clay loam soils and American Oak barrels. 14.3% alcohol.

TASTING NOTES:

Ruby color with smoky-charred nose. Silk smooth with wood and prune flavors. Creme-de-cassis, plum skin, and charred-popcorn-esque oak round out the back-end flavors.

SCORE & RECOMMENDATION:

90 PTS

This wine is past its prime and on the decline but there's still plenty to enjoy. It has a Pomerol like aroma and flavor with wonderful smoke. It is interesting to see this fruit-forward Napa wine become more Bordeaux-like as it ages. The fruit has settled in and a unique experience has emerged. Retails for around $22.