This is actually the second highest rated Swithback Ridge Merlot yet on CellarTracker, edged out only by a tiny margin by the 2016 (which we quickly sold through at $59.99). And this 2015 may be even more irresistible (and a more perfect expression of great Merlot) today.
The Domestic Wine Report raved over it:
The nose is a spicy graphite and licorice, brown spice and red plum. The palate entry is a supple black cherry with a rich core of garrigue, violet and soft notes of integrated brown spices. Beautiful texture throughout.
Keep in mind, The Wine Advocate last reviewed this wine in 2012 (a vintage which ranks behind this 2015) – but when they did (in fact it was Parker himself who did), they rated it above every Paloma Merlot ever…including that famed 2001! (Whose lowest price online is now $225!)
Foley, by the way, seems to prefer this vintage to any other, saying:
This is what Merlot should be! Ripe aromas and flavors of red cherry and cassis coat the palate with a rich, round middle. A framework of soft tannin delivers a beautiful finish with hints of mocha.
It also boasts a higher percentage of Merlot (92%, with 8% Cabernet), lower yields and production, and even greater ripeness (15.5%) than the 2016.