Tasting Notes For Keenan Event, Wednesday 9/5/12

Our tasting notes for our special event, hosting
Michael Keenan of Keenan Family Winery!

KEENAN CHARDONNAY 2010
High in the Mayacamas Range, at an elevation of 1,700 feet above the Napa Valley floor, are Spring Mountain and the Robert Keenan Winery and vineyards. This area was first identified as prime vineyard land by Peter Conradi in the late 19th century when he planted 100 acres of terraced vineyard there. This delightful Chard shows citrus, ripe pear and green apple in the nose, with hints of lush white peach stepping forward as the wine opens up. Sur-lie aging has added richness and complexity, and plenty of oak character returns on the finish. Like all of Keenan’s wines, this one will pair well with a wide variety of food. 91 points Bill Tobin. $19.97.

KEENAN MERLOT 2007
The Conradi Winery operated until Prohibition when the vineyards and winery fell out of use. In 1974, Robert Keenan purchased 180 acres of forest on the defunct Conradi Winery site. No vines remained. Only the crumbling walls of the former winery and a few old broken tanks told of its history. This seductive, soft, plush Merlot “offers a luscious combination of herb-tinged mocha, chocolate-infused black cherry and currant fruit, plum, and anise. The complex aromas are followed by a lush, succulent wine with dark fruit flavors showing a hint of spicy oak. This beauty should drink well for 10-12 years.” 92 points Wine Enthusiast. $21.97.

KEENAN SYRAH 2008
Robert was certain the mountain top vineyards would be perfect for an estate winery. He replaced tree stumps and rocks with rows of Cabernet and Chardonnay, hired an engineer to redesign the original winery structure, and brought in a contractor to begin construction. They’ve only been making Syrah for 7 years but obviously have it figured out. This one offers aromas of black cherry and blackberry along with underlying floral nuances. The texture is soft, yet the wine maintains wonderful structure. 89 points Tobin Bros. $24.97.

KEENAN CABERNET 2007
The winery was made operational just in time for the harvest of 1977. From that time on, Keenan has earned a great reputation for producing wines of intense character and renowned acclaim. Like this one. This amazing Cab displays “plenty of crushed rock, black currant, black raspberry, white chocolate, and earth characteristics. A supple texture, beautiful concentration, and a long finish suggests it will continue to drink well for 15-16 years.” 92 pts Wine Advocate, 94 Wine & Spirits. $34.97

KEENAN RESERVE CABERNET 2007
Combining the dedication of experienced winemakers with a commitment to excellence, the Robert Keenan Winery has distinguished itself as a maker of exceptional wines– in limited varietals and quantities. In the last eight vintages, 42 wines have been rated between 90 and 97 points by Robert Parker Jr. This gorgeous Reserve shows “tarry blackberry, black cherry, licorice and graphite aromas lifted by a note of violet. Juicy and vibrant, it still shows a youthful reserve to the black fruit, licorice and mineral flavors. It is wonderfully precise and fine-grained and finishes with suave, mouth-coating tannins.” 94 points Wine Advocate. $86.97.