Keenan Napa Valley Spring Mountain Chardonnay 2021

In 1974 Robert Keenan purchased 180 acres in the Spring Mountain District at an elevation of 170 feet, located on the eastern slope of the Mayacamas mountain range. The historic estate has been planted to grapevines since the late 19th century. The history of Keenan Winery turned a new direction when Michael Keenan took over leadership of the estate in 1998. Shortly thereafter, he and the team made the decision to replant the vineyards to increase grape quality. In addition, they built a solar power system that went on-line in 2007 and now 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.

93 Points James Suckling
This has a chalky character with sliced apples and pears and hints of lemon zest and dried herbs. Medium- to full-bodied with a creamy, weighty palate, yet the crisp acidity adds freshness and tone. Lingering, textural finish with hints caramel and pastry. Drink or hold.

Wine Notes
The finished wine shows citrus, ripe pear and green apple in the nose. Hints of lush white peach are noticed as the wine opens up. The sur-lie aging has added richness and complexity, and a touch of toasty oak returns on the finish. Like all of Keenan’s wines, this Chardonnay is a food worthy wine whose crisp acidity and medium body will accompany a wide variety of cuisine.

Keenan's 2021 Chardonnay was hand harvested, de-stemmed, then gently pressed. The juice was fermented and aged in French and American oak barrels. The wine was left on the lees and the barrels were stirred weekly. No secondary, or malolactic fermentation was carried out, leading to the crisp, citrus character of this wine. The wine was bottled after approximately seven months of aging in the cellar.