The long growing season and steady, high temperatures in September of 1996 helped create Merlot grapes of the highest quality. The grapes for the '96 Keenan Merlot were harvested primarily from the Keenan Estate on Spring Mountain, and the remainder from select vineyards on the floor of the Napa Valley. Keenan carefully chose the valley floor grapes to add complexity, and to soften the powerful Keenan Estate fruit. The 1996 Merlot has been aged in French oak barrels for 20 months. An ample amount of Cabernet Sauvignon was added to the wine before bottling, and seven months of bottle aging has been allowed before release. The resulting wine shows intense plum and black cherry aromas that 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. 1996 Napa Valley Merlot. "Dark violet red. Ripe fruit aromas. A soft, fruity attack leads a generously fruity midpalate with mild powdery tannins on the finish. Drink now." Wine Enthusiast, August 1999 Keenan Merlot Napa Valley 1996. "Supple and concentrated plum, mineral and cassis notes are framed by fine-grained tannins. The flavors soar on the finish. Drink now through 2003." Wine Spectator, September 1999
WINE DATA AWARDS & RATINGS 1999 California State Fair 88 points, Silver Medal Wine Enthusiast: Highly Recommended 89 points Beverage Testing Institute 89 points Wine Spectator: Highly Recommended 87 points Alcohol: 13.5% Total Acidity: 0.64 grams/100mL pH: 3.46 Residual Sugar: Dry Bottling Date: August 20, 1998 Blend: 90% Merlot 10% Cabernet Sauvignon Production: 3,250 cases