Reviews & Ratings

2011 Swanson Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon "Alexis"

Winery: Swanson Vineyards

Vintage: 2011

Wine Name/Vineyard: "Alexis"

Wine Category: Cabernet Sauvignon

Grape blend: 96% Cabernet Sauvignon & 4% Merlot

Bottle size: 750 ml

Region: Napa Valley

State or country: CA

Price: $75

Cases produced: 1,184

KWG Score: 89.5 (based on 2 reviews)

Ken's Wine Rating: Very Good+ (91)

Review date: January 26, 2015

Wine Review: This midnight blue colored Napa Cabernet from Swanson opens with a black raspberry and dark chocolate bouquet. On the palate, this wine is full bodied, balanced and savory. The flavor profile is a tasty black currant and black cherry blend with notes of nicely integrated mild oak and rich dark chocolate. The finish is dry and its tannins build up and last for quite some time. This wine definitely improved with aeration. I would decant it and serve it with a well-marbled ribeye. Enjoy - Ken

Winemaker Notes: Striking in appearance, with its dark ruby, violet-edged color, the 2011 Alexis Cabernet Sauvignon is immediately seductive. Very focused macerated black cherry, graphite, vanilla and forest floor aromas balance each other nicely. Round, opulent, sweet, ripe tannins surface quickly on the palate, where flavors of ripe blackberry and espresso bean are present throughout the lingering finish. This wine will continue to age gracefully for a minimum of 12 – 15 years. Try pairing with tournedos de boeuf, a prime fillet of beef, or your favorite triple-cream cheese.

Buy it: Use 1000 Corks to find stores that sell Swanson 2011 Alexis.