Product Details
2014 Merlot Reserve, Mailbox Vineyard
Vineyard Notes
2014 Keenan Merlot Reserve, Mailbox Vineyard, Spring Mountain District
The Robert Keenan Winery is located in Spring Mountain District, high in the Mayacamas mountain range above the town of Saint Helena. We planted eleven acres of Merlot vines in the rocky soils surrounding the winery and we believe this mountainside vineyard produces some of the finest Merlot in all of Napa Valley. Sited above the dense layer of fog that creeps up the Napa Valley most evenings, the vineyard warms earlier in the morning and temperatures remain warm throughout the night. The combination of these warm temperatures, steep hillside vine rows, and gravelly soils promotes stress on the vines, leading to increased intensity of flavors and aromas in the finished wine.
For the twelfth consecutive year the rechristened “Mailbox” vineyard has been chosen as the source for the Reserve Merlot bottling. Hints of violets and a signature earthy spiciness show in the nose, a chocolaty creaminess combines with the rich dark full fruit on the palette, the finish is beautifully layered, deep, elegant and very, very long. Drink now or decades from now.
Excerpt from Robert M. Parker, Jr. ,
The Wine Advocate
Issue # 228, December 2016
93 Points
“The 2014 Merlot Reserve Mailbox Vineyard has traditionally been one of the top Merlots made in Northern California. Beautiful deep black cherry and blackcurrant fruit with some spice box and earth jump from the glass of this dense ruby/plum colored wine. It is rich, medium to full-bodied, pure, textured and serious. This is a beauty to drink over the next 12-15 years.”
Vinous
December 2016
94 Points
“ The 2014 Merlot Reserve Mailbox Vineyard is plump, juicy and inviting. Dark stone fruit, tobacco and leather are sketched in broad strokes. Pliant and open-knit, the 2014 will drink well pretty much upon release. This, too, is very nicely done. The Merlot Reserve Mailbox Vineyard emerges from estate vineyards on Spring Mountain.” Antonio Galloni
Wine Data
| Size | 750 ml |
|---|---|
| Vintage | 2014 |
| Alcohol | 14.5%% |
| pH | 3.70 |
| Residual Sugar | Dry |
| Total Acidity | 0.59 grams/100ml |
| Bottling Date | 7/19/2016 |
| Production | 450 cases produced |
| Appellation | Spring Mountain District |
| Wine Style | Red Wine |
| Varietal | Merlot |