2017 Merlot Reserve, Mailbox Vineyard
2017 Merlot Reserve, Mailbox Vineyard
2017 Merlot Reserve, Mailbox Vineyard
Vineyard Notes
2017 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 fifteenth 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.
Vinous
January 2020
92 Points
“ The 2017 Merlot Reserve Mailbox Vineyard shows sweet dark cherry, lavender, spice, tobacco and grilled herbs. It is darker and richer next to the straight Merlot. Translucent and expressive, the 2017 will drink well with minimal cellaring. This is a very classic style.” Antonio Galloni
Production Notes
400 cases| Vintage | 2017 |
|---|---|
| Wine Style | Red Wine |
| Varietal | Merlot |
| Varietal Composition | 100% Merlot |
| Appellation | Spring Mountain District |
| Acid | 0.65 g/100ml |
| PH | 3.56 |
| Bottling Date | 7/11/2019 |
| Residual Sugar | Dry |
| Alcohol % | 14.4% |
| Size | 750 ml |