Merlot has remained at the core Swanson Vineyards’ identity since Clarke Swanson purchased the estate vineyard in 1985.

GROWING SEASON:

VINEYARDS:From two highly regarded merlot vineyards located in the Napa Valley‘sheart, Oakville. Farmed impeccably we are able to adjust our yield each year to achieve the ripeness levels we desire. Favoring quality over quantity, we deliberately keep our crop low, allowing for a long hang time on the vine, building intense flavors and retaining natural acidity.

WINEMAKER’S NOTES:Expressive aromas of plums, crushed rip cherry’s and a touch of cassis surround the opaque red-purple hue of this full bodied merlot. On the palate the tannins are powerful and balanced perfectly with the flavors of red fruits, pomegranate, cedar wood and a touch of dried oregano. A wine that will develop gracefully over the next 7-10 years.

- Robin Akhurst, Winemaker

2013 MERLOTNAPA VALLEY

127 1 MANLEY LANE, CAt. 707.754.4018 SWANSONVINEYARDS.COM

,RUTHERFORD

2013 was an epic Napa Valley vintage allowing us a precision pick at a pointwhen the fruit, acid and phenolic tannins were perfectly in balance. We experienced moderate temperatures and dry conditions in all our vineyard locations. All winesfrom the 2013 harvest, both red and white, benefited from the long, coolgrowing season, and this was especially true for Merlot.

HARVEST DATE:September 16th

WINEMAKING:18 months in 225-liter both French andAmerican oak barrels.30% new oak (15% French; 15% American)

COMPOSITION:81% Merlot, 12% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Petit Verdot

BOTTLING DATE:April, 20156,500 cases (12 x 750ml)