2001
The
2001 Chardonnay is a blend of the Keenan Estate fruit and fruit
purchased from select vineyards on the floor of the Napa Valley. This blend of Napa
Valley wines continues the Keenan tradition of producing a crisp classic style Chardonnay.
The 2001 growing season prompted Keenan's
Chardonnay to ripen slowly
and evenly, and we were able to harvest the fruit at optimum sugar and flavor levels.
After pressing, the juice was chilled and allowed to settle before being placed in
French oak barrels. Yeast was added to the juice and a barrel fermentation lasting
fourteen days followed. No secondary, or malolactic, fermentation was carried out,
leading to the crisp, citrus character of this wine. The Chardonnay was barrel aged
in approximately fifty percent new oak barrels, and was left on its lees and stirred
weekly. The wine was aged for eight months before it was bottled.
The finished wine shows citrus, ripe pear and apple in the nose, yet tropical hints
of pineapple are noticed as the wine opens up. The sur-lie aging has added
complexity to the pear and crisp apple flavors, and plenty of oak character 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 food fare.
Excerpt
from Robert M. Parker, Jr.'s,
The
Wine Advocate, Issue 150
89 Points
'"It is encouraging to see a yearly
increase in quality from Keenan. While their Spring Mountain Vineyards are finally
starting to come into production, purchased fruit is also utilized. The top wines
of their current portfolio are the finest I've ever tasted fromthis producer."
"The 2001
and 2002 Chardonnays are atypical
California Chardonnays. They are concentrated, with gorgeous purity, crisp acidity
as well as subtle oak presented in a Chablis-like style. Notes of pear, white currents,
and minerals are found in these medium body offerings. They are not put through malolactic
fermentation, which only enhances their crisp, zesty styles. Both should drink well
for several years."
Wilfred
Wong
eCommerce Cellarmaster
Beverages
& More!
91 POINTS
(March 9, 2004,)
"Medium straw color; a very enticing
aroma of ripe pears and other core fruit notes topped with hints of cream and caramel,
very good fruit depth; medium bodied, layered on the palate with a fine, firm grip;
attractive ripe fruit flavors, excellent textures; long finish, crisp aftertaste."
(Best Served 2004-2007)
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WINE DATA |
AWARDS & RATINGS Wine Advocate / Robert Parker 89 Points 2002 San Francisco Chronicle Northern California Wine Competition Bronze Medal Jerry Meads International Wine Competition Bronze Medal Beverages & More/Wifred Wong 91 Points |
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