Mernet. The name sings with the sweetness of the wine, says Michael Keenan, President, Owner and Master Vintner at Keenan Winery. My Mernet delivers a prettier, more feminine experience than my other terroir-driven wines. Indeed, the combination of tenderness and excitement with which Michael talks about this vintage testifies to a labor of love.

The 2009 Keenan Mernet Reserve is a voluptuous red announcing dark fruit and sweet red licorice to the divine pleasure of the taster. Receiving 93 points from The Napa Valley Wines Advocate, the winning wine emphasizes high-toned, sweet delicious rich fruit with an almost hidden depth and structure to allow for indefinite aging.

Each vintage of Keenans proprietary Mernet is a unique blend of half Merlot and half Cabernet Sauvignon chosen to hit a distinct profile. The 2009 is a seamless blend of 50% Merlot, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Cabernet Franc. More than any other, this is a wine I truly make, says Michael, adding how it is always equal parts intuition and a masters discernment that guides him to the right blend.

This years release demonstrates Michaels mastery as a top producer of terroir-driven Merlot and Cabernet and showcases his sensitivity to the strengths and combinations of his harvests. This Merlot Napa Valley is innovative while promising to become a classic.

Anticipated maturity: 2012-2019. (See Robert Parker, Jr. The Wine Advocate, Issue #198, December 2011) http://www.keenanwinery.com/ProductInfo.aspx?productid=MN09T

About Robert Keenan Winery

In 1974, Robert Keenan planted Cabernet and Chardonnay Napa Valley vines 1,700 feet above Napa Valley. His bet that the rocky, high mountaintops of the Spring Mountain District would produce enviable terroirs paid off. Since then, Keenan Winery has been tantalizing wine drinkers with some of Californias top Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.

Robert Parker, Jr. has awarded 47 of Keenans last eight vintages between 90-97 points. Roberts son, Michael Keenan, now President, Owner and Vintner for the Napa Valley Winery, carries on his fathers passionate commitment to quality by attending to detail in every aspect of producing world-class wines. He continues to insist that only fine Portuguese cork be used in Keenans bottles.

A steward of the environment and the winerys historic site, Michael installed solar panels to ensure that the great energy of the Napa sun nurtures his grapes as well as powers the winerys operations. The winery invites visitors to enjoy the historic and scenic site the best wine tasting spot in Napa sample their varietals in the intimate outdoor eating and picnic area atop of Spring Mountain. For more information, please visit : http://www.keenanwinery.com/