Leon Stolarski Fine Wines Joseph Swan Vineyards

Joseph Swan Vineyards

Yes, you’ve read it correctly - Californian wines! Although we have from time to time listed wines from countries other than France, they have generally just been odds and sods and bin-ends. But these wines from Joseph Swan Vineyards are wines that I very much hope will become a mainstay of our list. You may ask “Why California?” Well, I have tasted a good many wines from Joseph Swan in recent years, courtesy of friends who have brought them to various tasting events, and not one single example has ever failed to arouse my interest. And they have all ranged from very good indeed to absolutely outstanding, not to mention quirky and - in many cases – truly elegant.

In 1967, Joe Swan purchased an old farm near the town of Forestville in the Russian River Valley of Sonoma County, comprising 13 acres of old Zinfandel vines, fruit trees and pasture, along with an old barn and a 100 year-old house. He made his first Zinfandel wine in 1968. He then set about planting some Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. He took many trips to France and visited noted vignerons, asking their advice and trying to determine why the wines were the way they were. His first few vintages were made in the cellar of the house and then later in the barn. In 1974, he erected what became known as the “tin shed” - he wasn't interested in fancy buildings, formal gardens, and other fancy trappings. Although he never had any formal training in either viticulture or oenology, Joe was a frequent lecturer at the University of California at Davis. His last vintage was 1987 and he passed away in January 1989.

Both Joe Swan and the current winemaker at Joseph Swan Vineyards, Rod Berglund (Joe’s Son-in-Law), came to winemaking by somewhat circuitous routes. You can read much more about both Joe and Rod on the excellent and very informative website www.swanwinery.com Briefly, though, Rod was introduced to Joe in the 1970’s. They became friends, and Joe began mentoring Rod in the art of winemaking. Rod made his first wine in 1979 and eventually joined Joe to help make that 1987 vintage (Joe’s last). Rod had married Joe’s daughter Lynn in 1986, thereby becoming part of the family. Rod and Lynn have remained at the helm of Joseph Swan Vineyards ever since, thereby ensuring that the winemaking traditions of this truly family-run estate continue. And I urge you to try these wines. Although not cheap, they are extremely fairly-priced and actually cost a lot less than many of California’s other top estate wines. And they are simply brilliant!