
Keenan Napa Valley Spring Mountain Chardonnay 2018 93pts
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.
Keenan's 2017 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.
93 Points Best Buy Wine & Spirits
Michael Keenan farms a large block of chardonnay adjacent to his winery on Spring Mountain, the vines planted in 1995, close enough to underground springs that they provide an abundant crop without irrigation. His 2018 is intriguing and layered, a complex mountain-grown chardonnay with an earthy tannic briskness to sustain it. The flavors range from lime to yellow apple and green plum, firm enough to absorb the oak in which it aged, and to last, with the cool pallor of a morning sun wine.
91 Points Jeb Dunnck
Starting with the 2018 Chardonnay, which is all from Spring Mountain, it offers a pretty bouquet of bright citrus, tangerine, and orange blossom to go with a medium-bodied, racy style on the palate. With plenty of acidity, good ripeness of fruit, and a great finish, it's going to keep for a solid 7-8 years.
Wine Notes
Michael Keenan farms a large block of chardonnay adjacent to his winery on Spring Mountain, the vines planted in 1995, close enough to underground springs that they provide an abundant crop without irrigation. His 2018 is intriguing and layered, a complex mountain-grown chardonnay with an earthy tannic briskness to sustain it. The flavors range from lime to yellow apple and green plum, firm enough to absorb the oak in which it aged, and to last, with the cool pallor of a morning sun wine. 14.2% Alc.
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