Wines for the Traveling, Wino, Foodie Spirit

Recently, I attended a private Salon tasting at Swanson Vineyards. I highly recommend this place for a relaxing food and wine experience. Keep in mind that it is by-appointment-only…so plan ahead! The quaint Salon and Sip Shoppe are hidden down a side street in Rutherford and require you to call at the gate before entering. Don’t let the exclusive vibe scare you off. Swanson Vineyards welcomes guests with top-notch hospitality and outstanding wines. There seems to be a unique story behind everything incorporated with the winery.

Upon arrival, our lovely Salonniére, Rosemary, greeted us with a taste of the 2012 Rosato made from 100% Sangiovese. It was the perfect introduction on a hot California afternoon. We enjoyed the taste of rosé at the garden picnic tables before entering the Salon for the seated tasting. While swirling the glass, fresh red fruit and flowers filled the nose with a fruity, citrus palate that reminded me of strawberry lemonade. Try with cured meats…shall we say jamon serrano?

Rosemary invited us into the intriguing Salon that goes very much against the traditional tasting room expectation. Bright coral colors and eclectic artwork surround the room. The Salon and its decor were inspired by a combination of the 18th Century Paris culture, New Orleans and many other world travels from the Swanson family. On the table, we found several glasses and a scallop shell filled with cheese, crackers, pistachios and an Alexis Bonbon (5-spiced truffle).

Reflections from the Tasting:

2011 Chardonnay
This French Chablis inspired Chardonnay comes from the cool region of Carneros. Certainly not your buttery Chardonnay. This particular style emphasizes the fruit itself resulting in crisp, full-bodied apple and pear notes with hints of vanilla. It was paired with a potato chip topped with creme fraiche and Tennessee caviar. Delicious balance of saltiness and fruitiness.

2009 Merlot-Swanson’s flagship wine
(75% Merlot/20% Cabernet Sauvignon/5% Petit Verdot)
Winemaker, Chris Phelps, studied enology at the University of Bordeaux and continued his wine career in France working with Christian Moueix of Chateau Petrús where he developed a passion for Merlot. The Oakville Merlot is described as “a Cab-lover’s Merlot”-rich, silky, smooth with ripe fruit and subtle tannins. Think along the lines of chocolate-dipped cherries and blackberries. Went well with the various cheeses on the scallop shell and would also make an excellent burger wine.

2009 Instant Napa Cabernet Sauvignon-25th Anniversary Cuvee
(82% Cabernet Sauvignon/11% Merlot/7% Petit Verdot)
Swanson invites wine drinkers on an adventure of the senses. At first sight, the bottle reveals a fun, artsy label of the Salon experience. Intense aromas of ripe berries, spice and espresso emit from the glass. The medium-bodied palate offers a rich, velvety texture with bright fruit intermingled with a spicy chocolate sensation.
Savory experience: Pair with blue cheese to harmonize the salty/sweet combination.
Sweet experience: Wine version of a tequila shot…five-spiced chocolate truffle pairing in a three step process: 1. lick the curry spices sprinkled on top of the truffle 2. take a sip of Cab 3. eat the truffle. Sit back and enjoy food and wine pairing magic!

2007 Tardif Late Harvest Chardonnay
This sweet wine is a blend of Chardonnay, Viognier and Muscat grapes that have undergone Botrytis Cinerea (“noble rot”) after a long period on the vines hence the name tardif (French for late). Rich, creamy and complex with each new sip. Concentrated honey and tropical fruit make a wonderful match alongside the saltiness and strong flavors of the blue cheese. Sweet and delectable…great dessert alternative!

Following the tasting, Rosemary gave a tour of The Sip Shoppe where guests can make purchases in addition to tasting through wines in a casual, walk around environment. The room is designed out of a giant tent to go along with the New Orleans theme and is described as a “candy store for adults.”

Swanson offers something for everyone. Check out their website and make sure to stop by the next time you’re in Napa.