Swanson Vineyards

$74.00750ml

Match full-blown Napa Cabernets with strong, simple flavors.

Try a crown roast of lamb with oregano and rosemary,

venison chops in a blackberry compote

or cheese-stuffed, balsamic-grilled portobellos.

Eyes:

Ruby

Nose:

Medium-High Intensity, developing, black cherry, black currant, plum

Mouth:

Full Bodied, dry, medium acidity, average tannin, moderate-high intensity, medium-long finish, smoky, blackberry, creme de cassis

The Swanson family has always been entrepreneurial and innovative, but with a self-described "zest for rule-breaking." Clarke Swanson, whose grandfather invented the frozen TV dinner, was among the first to plant Merlot in Napa Cab-land (it's about 12% of Alexis), while his wife Elizabeth has the company title of "dream-maker... and keeper of the secret fairy dust."