Joseph Swan Vineyards

Winemaker and owner Rod Berglund (also known as “The Rodfather” to friends) was a protegée of Joseph Swan and has been making the wines here since the late 1970s. Based in the Russian River Valley in California, Rod continues to make restrained wine in the style of Burgundy.

Light ruby in colour with some paling of the rim, this has pure and lifted red berry fruit aromas with a restraint and herbaceous note that is more commonly associated with Burgundian Pinot. The texture is silky, and the tannins fine-grained, with a supple and juicy coating. There is a spicy character that flows through the wine, which continues on the finish with a jasmine tea note. Drink now to 2028.

Brilliant ruby-red. Youthful, highly perfumed red and dark berry scents are complemented by deeper notes of cola, mocha and black cardamon, with a sexy floral nuance building in the glass. Smooth, sweet and expansive, offering mineral-laced black raspberry and cherry-cola flavors that become weightier with air. The supple, smoky finish is framed by velvety, slow-building tannins. Distinctly polished in style, with the depth to age.
Stephen Tanzer (spring 2014)