Keenan Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve Spring Mountain District Napa Valley 2020

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Sitting high in the Mayacamas, above Napa Valley’s charming town of Saint Helena, is Robert Keenan Winery, a small, family estate in the Spring Mountain AVA. Today we have the Keenan family’s 44th vintage of this Reserve Cabernet, etched with piercing purity, precise elegance, and polished tannins, and with a jolly double 92 points to its name. Ordering 2 or more unlocks an extra 50% off, and 3 or more gets you complimentary shipping!

Keenan is a true family operation, and ties back to what the Napa Valley wine industry was built upon: exceptional terroir and devotion to craftsmanship. The winery was started in 1974 by Robert Keenan, though his son, Michael Keenan, has been at the helm since 1998 after growing up absorbing all he could about winemaking. Gradually, Michael replanted several acres of the property and streamlined the winemaking process to be more efficient. Michael’s wife, Jennifer, designed the Keenan label and helps with all aspects of interior and graphic design – while their two adult children, Reilly and Madison, have also been heavily involved from a young age, alongside the rest of their quaint and dedicated team.

Keenan only makes estate-grown wines expressing their unique mountain terroir, pure varietal characteristics, and excellent ageability. With an estate so high in elevation – upwards of 1,700 feet above sea level – the grapes are above the fog line and get lots of warm, ripening sunlight every day, but also a bit of evening chill to help the grapes retain acidity. Only 630 cases of the 2020 Reserve Cab were produced, made of 32% Cabernet Sauvignon Clone 15 and 32% Cabernet Sauvignon Clone 7 from their “Big K” vineyard, 32% Cabernet Sauvignon Clone 412 from their “Point” vineyard, and 4% Cabernet Franc from their “Upper Bowl” vineyard.

This is an excellently rich and long-lasting Cab, full of contemplative nuance and mouthwatering precision, even after a particularly tough vintage for Napa. In their 92-point review, Vinous calls it “a terrific effort in this challenging and hugely variable year” that “shows good depth and persistence from start to finish.” Opening with deep cassis and wild blueberry notes, accents of dried Italian herbs and cedar bark weave their way into the mix, lending an earthy, fragrant edge to the dark fruit. Firm tannins and lively acidity support savory spice and a touch of graphite, carrying into a long, structured finish that reflects its mountainous roots. For under $50 a bottle when you get 2 or more, you couldn’t ask for a better wine! Family tradition, incredible terroir, and a delicious end product – this is a Cab to take home in hoards!

PAIRING IDEAS: Harissa is my current flavor crush of the moment – and I just KNOW this skillet meal of harissa beef with crispy potatoes would smash alongside this bodacious Cab.