2000 NAPA VALLEY, CARNEROS
	Keenan has been purchasing Merlot grapes from the Carneros region of the Napa Valley for many years. The "Carneros" is the region of Napa closest to the San Pablo Bay and is known for producing high quality Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Merlot. Merlot produced in this region tends to be very fruity and soft with distinctive spicy nuances. In 1989 Keenan began purchasing Merlot from the Carneros to blend with the estate Merlot grown on Spring Mountain. The two wines are a great match; the Carneros Merlot softens the dense, powerful wines produced from the estate grown fruit. But, in 1999 we were so happy with how the Carneros Merlot was tasting, we decided to bottle a small amount on its own. We have made this a tradition with the 2000 vintage. The 2000 Carneros Merlot shows ripe black cherry and raspberry aromas, yet coffee and cinnamon nuances become more pronounced as the wine opens up. Mouth-filling flavors and well-balanced structure allow it to show wonderfully with a variety of well seasoned dishes
WINE DATA AWARDS & RATINGS Alcohol: 13.5% Total Acidity: 0.62 grams/100mL pH: 3.38 Residual Sugar: Dry Bottling Date: August 19, 2002 Blend: 100% Merlot Production: 500 cases