Winemaker Notes
The finished wine is rich in fruit and textured smoothly enough to be enjoyed young, but has enough built in structure and hidden Spring Mountain District complexity to pay handsome rewards to those who wish to cellar it for years. Cheers!
Professional Ratings
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Wine Enthusiast
Not many Merlots deserve time in the cellar, but this one does. Such are its mountain tannins that it's in lockdown mode, with a tough, astringent finish. But just below the surface are voluptuously ripe flavors of blackberries, cherries and mulberries. Best to give this young wine at least through mid-2008, and it could improve for another five years.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2004 Merlot Reserve Mailbox Vineyard is a more concentrated and backward wine than the regular bottling. Ultimately it should merit several more points given its complex mocha, espresso roast, chocolate, black cherry, and berry-scented bouquet. Opulent, thick, juicy, and medium to full-bodied with supple tannins as well as superb length, it should drink well for 10-15 years.
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.