Tasting Notes For Keenan Event, Friday 4/23/12

NCWC KEENAN WINE TASTING 4/20/12

 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.  Fast forward to this delightful Chard, which 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 Chardonnay is a food worthy wine whose crisp acidity and medium body will accompany a wide variety of food fare.  91 points Bill Tobin.  $21.97.

 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.  Fast forward to this seductive, soft, plush Merlot, which “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.  $25.97.

 KEENAN CABERNET 2007

                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.  Fast forward to this amazing Cab, which 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 points Wine Advocate, 94 points Wine & Spirits.  $34.97.

 KEENAN RESERVE 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.  Its “tarry blackberry, black cherry, licorice and graphite aromas are 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, mouthcoating tannins.”  94 points Wine Advocate.  $86.97.

 KEENAN RESERVE MERNET 2008

                Keenan focuses on three varietals — Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot. 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 quanties. In the last eight vintages, 42 wines have been rated between 90 and 97 points by Robert Parker Jr.  This blend of half Merlot, half Cab is certainly no different.  “Another prodigious effort from Keenan, it boasts an inky/purple color as well as a sweet nose filled with blackberry, black currant and cherry fruit intermixed with mocha and chocolate. Full-bodied and rich with an enticing suppleness as well as admirable length and texture, it should drink well for 15 or more years.”  95 points Wine Advocate.  $86.97.