The steady, high temperatures of September, 1995 allowed Keenan to harvest grapes at the peak of maturity-an occurrence that winemaker Nils Venge considers a major factor in the exceptional quality of the '95 Merlot. The grapes for the 1995 Keenan Merlot were harvested primarily from the Keenan Estate of Spring Mountain. The remainder of the Merlot fruit came from select vineyards on the floor of the Napa Valley. Keenan carefully chose these vineyards' grapes to add complexity, and to soften the powerful Keenan Estate fruit. The 1995 Merlot has been aged in French oak barrels for 20 months. Final blending was conducted before bottling, and seven months of bottle aging were allowed before release. The resulting wine shows intense black fruit aromas which are enhanced by a toasty oak background. Consumers can expect the wine to open up to a rich, velvety, full bodied wine that pleases the palate. $27 per 750ml bottle
WINE DATA AWARDS & RATINGS 1998 California State Fair Gold Medal, Best Merlot of Napa Valley: 95 points 1998 Los Angeles Fair Silver Medal 1998 San Francisco International Wine Competition Silver Medal Alcohol: 13.5% Total Acidity: 0.62 grams/100mL pH: 3.48 Residual Sugar: Dry Bottling Date: July 10, 1997 Blend: 94% Merlot 6% Cabernet Sauvignon Production: 2,500 cases
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