Winemaker Notes
The 2022 Merlot has been aged in thirty-three percent new French and American oak barrels for eighteen months. The resulting wine shows intense aromas of black cherry, blackberry, and cassis. Complex nuances of cocoa and coffee bean emerge as the wine opens up. This is a "big" Merlot that will age for many years to come.
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
Crushed blackberries and currants as well as hints of dried herbs, spices and tobacco. Medium- to full-bodied, juicy and polished with some tightness in the end, providing lingering nuances of cedar and cloves. Drink or hold.
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Vinous
The 2022 Merlot is an attractive mid-weight offering from Keenan. Bright red-toned fruit, cinnamon, new leather and cedar are front and center. The 2022 retains lovely freshness and vibrancy to round things out. Give this a year or two in the cellar.
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.