The 1996 Keenan Chardonnay was made from select vineyards located on the floor of the Napa Valley. Keenan continues to barrel ferment and barrel age 100% of the Chardonnay production; one-third of the oak barrels used are new French oak. Approximately one-half of the '96 vintage was aged sur-lie for five months; this contributed to the remarkable body and unique character of the wine. Each Chardonnay vineyard that Keenan utilizes puts forth its own distinctive characteristics, and it is the combination of these characteristics that allow Keenan to create a wine of balanced complexity. Our 1996 Chardonnay opens with luscious pear and apple notes that are blended with a nice amount of vanilla and light oak. The crisp medium bodies character of the wine is accented with hints of pineapple and citrus, and a toast oak finish lingers pleasantly on the palate.
WINE DATA AWARDS & RATINGS World Wine Championship (BTI) Silver Medal Wine Advocate, Robert M. Parker, Jr. 86 Points Wine Enthusiast Silver Medal Jerry Mead's International Wine Competition Bronze Medal Alcohol: 13.5% Total Acidity: 0.70 grams/100mL pH: 3.30 Residual Sugar: Dry Bottling Date: June 18, 1997 Production: 2,300 cases