Keenan Napa Valley Merlot 2019
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Suckling
James -
Parker
Robert
Product Details
Your Rating
Somm Note
Winemaker Notes
The 2019 Keenan Napa Valley Merlot shows intense aromas of black cherry, blackberry, and cassis. Complex nuances of cocoa and coffee bean emerge as the wine opens up.
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
A soft and juicy red with plum, tile and blackberry aromas and flavors. Medium-bodied and juicy with a black-olive undertone. A blend of estate, mountain fruit and Carneros.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Mostly from the estate's Spring Mountain property, with a bit of Carneros fruit as well, Keenan's 2019 Merlot features attractive scents of black cherries, mocha and toasted oak. This 100% Merlot is medium to full-bodied, smooth, silky, nicely rounded and ripe, with decent length. It's a solid all-around effort that sells for a reasonable price.
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While the beauty and history of the land are appealing, it is the richness of the soils that makes the hillside perfect for an estate winery. These soils are, in great measure, responsible for the dramatic intensity of the fruit associated with the ultra-premium wines produced at Robert Keenan Winery.
Keenan completed a solar power system on their property that went on-line in 2007. The system supplies all of the estate’s energy needs, including the winery, administrative offices, visitor hospitality area, and the homes located on the property. The Napa Valley Vintners have recognized Keenan as a “green” winery, which they proudly announce on the back labels: Solar Powered and Sustainably Farmed.
As Napa Valley’s third most planted grape, Napa Valley Merlot shows time and time again its potential to produce exceptional results. Napa’s vaunted combination of climate, soil and the human factor of winemaking expertise lead to big, ripe, cellar-worthy and world-class versions.
Whether made by itself in single varietal bottlings or as an important role in Bordeaux Blends, Merlot continues a prominent role in this famous region. While Cabernet typically takes the lead role, Merlot’s contribution—even at 10% to 20% or so—is significant indeed. Often described as “the flesh on Cabernet’s bones,” Merlot lends a soft, round and plush character that beautifully complements Cabernet’s linear, full-throttle structure. Its flavors of plums plus subtle herbs and mint also dovetail nicely with Cabernet’s blackberry and cassis.