Celebrating 100 year Anniversary (1904 to 2004)
HISTORY
High in the Mayacamas
Range, at an elevation of 1,700 feet above the Napa Valley floor, are
Spring Mountain and the Robert Keenan Winery and vineyards. This area
was first identified as prime vineyard land by Peter Conradi in the late
19th century when he planted 100 acres of terraced vineyard in Zinfandel
and Syrah grapes. The Conradi Winery operated until Prohibition when the
vineyards and winery fell out of use. In 1974, Robert Keenan purchased
180 acres of forest on the defunct Conradi Winery site. No vines remained.
Only the crumbling walls of the former winery and a few old broken tanks
told of its history, but Robert was certain the mountain top vineyards
would be perfect for an estate winery. He replaced tree stumps and rocks
with rows of Cabernet and Chardonnay, hired an engineer to redesign the
original winery structure, and brought in a contractor to begin construction.
The winery was made operational just in time for the harvest of 1977.
From that time on, Keenan has earned a great reputation for producing
wines of intense character and renowned acclaim.
Keenan focuses on three varietals -- Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot. It produces nearly 10,000 cases per year. Combining the dedication of experienced winemakers with a commitment to excellence, the Robert Keenan Winery has distinguished itself as a maker of exceptional wines -- in limited varietals and quantity. Wines for sipping, wines for enjoying, wines for enhancing any occasion.
VINEYARDS
While
the beauty and history of the land are appealing, it is the richness of
the soils that makes the hillside perfect for an estate winery. These
soils are, in great measure, responsible for the dramatic intensity of
the fruit associated with the ultra-premium wines produced at Robert Keenan
Winery.
Keenan reclaimed nearly 50 acres from the mountain forest. Three areas of hillside are planted with Cabernet, Chardonnay, and Merlot grapes. These hillside grapes first produced big, "monster" wines so popular in the late 1970s. Now the winery carefully controls and finesses the abundant flavors of the hillside-grown grapes, producing wines of unparalleled complexity, richness, and elegance.
WINERY
Chardonnay
was the first Keenan wine released and it immediately established the
winery as a leading producer of Chardonnay. The Cabernet grapes came into
leaf and the resulting Cabernet vintages were immediate successes. The
1978 was voted the best California Cabernet of that vintage. The 1986
Cabernet was acclaimed as the 42nd best Cabernet in the world by Wine
Spectator. In 1978, Keenan purchased a small volume of Merlot grapes as
a way to also acquire some desired Chardonnay grapes. The resulting Merlot
proved extremely popular and Merlot became a permanent part of the winery's
selection. The reputation of the Keenan Merlots was solidified in 1988
when tastings of the Keenan Merlots against the world famous Petrus wines
(Merlots) resulted in a virtual draw.
COMMITMENT TO QUALITY
Robert
Keenan Winery combines both the art and science of winemaking with a relentless
passion for producing fine wines for your enjoyment. From using only the
finest grapes to the Portuguese cork in the bottle, the Keenan commitment
to quality is consistent. The wine is testament to these efforts. One
taste and you will note the Keenan difference. However, why limit yourself
to only one taste?
VISIT THE ROBERT KEENAN
WINERY
We invite you to come visit the Robert Keenan Winery
in person. We welcome groups from 1 to 60 guests. Please contact the winery
at (707) 963-9177 to schedule a free tour, that includes tastings and
access to our small picnic area. We are located on Spring Mountain Road,
St. Helena, California, in the Napa Valley, less than 90 minutes north
of San Francisco. See Tours
& Map.