Keenan 2018 Napa Valley Merlot

The 2018 Merlot is bright, fresh and floral, all of which make it extremely appealing to drink now. Readers will find a mid-weight, refined Merlot full of charm. Crushed red berry fruit, spice and floral notes linger nicely. 91 Points,  Antonio Galloni, Vinous January 2021

This is for Old School Napa Lovers. This Merlot posses a plush and forward nose of deep blackberry and black plum with present but not overpowering oak and spice with light licorice and cedar. The palate is plush with low acid and a flavor set of oak spice, brambly blackberry and ripe plums.  D&M Tasting Notes

The 2018 Keenan Merlot is composed of seventy-six percent Keenan Estate Merlot. Twenty-four percent of the wine is Merlot fruit harvested from the Napa Carneros region. After hand harvesting, the grapes were de-stemmed, then inoculated with Montrachet yeast. Fermentation ranged from ten to fourteen days.

The ‘18 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. Winery Notes