Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Composed of 50% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Franc and 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, the brilliant, dense purple-colored 2001 Mernet Proprietary Red exhibits a Bordeaux-like nose of spice box, cedarwood, black currants, licorice and tobacco leaf. Still an adolescent at age ten, this full-bodied, concentrated, multidimensional wine will benefit from another 4-5 years of cellaring, and easily last an additional 25 years. A spectacular effort, it is one of the first truly great wines to emerge from Keenan and has been followed by a decade of superlative offerings. Rating: 95+
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Wine Enthusiast
Easy to drink for its soft richness, yet complex in structure, this well-oaked wine has ripe flavors of cherry liqueur, black raspberries and white chocolate, with a peppery, spicy finish. The acidity is refreshing. Merlot and the two Cabernets, in case you couldn't figure it out from the proprietary name.
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.
One of the world’s most classic and popular styles of red wine, Bordeaux-inspired blends have spread from their homeland in France to nearly every corner of the New World. Typically based on either Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot and supported by Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot, the best of these are densely hued, fragrant, full of fruit and boast a structure that begs for cellar time. Somm Secret—Blends from Bordeaux are generally earthier compared to those from the New World, which tend to be fruit-dominant.
Above the town of St. Helena on the eastern slopes of the Mayacamas Mountains sits the Spring Mountain District.
A dynamic region, its vineyards, cut by numerous springs and streams, vary in elevation, slope and aspect. Soils differ throughout with over 20 distinct types inside of the 8,600 acres that define the appellation. Within that area, only about 1,000 are planted to vineyards. Predominantly farmed by small, independent producers, the region currently has just over 30 wineries.
During the growing season, late afternoon Pacific Ocean breezes reach the Spring Mountain vineyards, which sit at between 400 and 1,200 feet. Daytime temperatures during mid summer and early fall remain slightly cooler than those of the valley floor.
Spring Mountain soils—volcanic matter and sedimentary rock—create intense but balanced reds with lush and delicate tannins. The area excels with Bordeaux varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot and in some cooler spots, Chardonnay.