Michael Keenan Rocks Merlot-Cabernet with March Release of awaited 2009 Mernet Reserve (93)

(prHWY.com) March 28, 2013 - St. Helena, CA -- By Leslie Caplan, Napa Valley, Spring Mountain District, California, March 30, 2013 - Keenan Winery, declared by Bob Sprentall to be the "best master of terroir-driven Merlot and Cabernet this side of St. Emillion," has done it again. With the March, 2013 release of its 11th vintage of the proprietary "Mernet," vintner Nils Venge, has produced a voluptuous red announcing dark fruit and licorice to the divine pleasure of the taster. At 93 points from The Wine Advocate, the winning Napa valley wine emphasizes the high-toned, sweet delicious rich fruit with an almost hidden depth and structure to allow for indefinite aging.

Each vintage of Keenan's proprietary "Mernet," is a unique blend of half Merlot and half Cabernet chosen with a care that highlights the strengths of the each season's harvest. The 2009 is a seamless blend of 50% Merlot, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon clone 15 and 10% Cabernet Franc. The 2009 Mernet Reserve is made in forward style that emphasizes fruit rather than aromatic complexity or subtlety, allowing it to be enjoyed now or in decades to come.

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

About Nils Venge, Consulting Winemaker

Nils Venge was the first American winemaker to receive a score of "100" from Robert Parker, Jr. of The Wine Advocate for one of his 1985 Cabernet Sauvignons.

He is reputed to be one of the best Cabernet Sauvignon makers in the Valley, producing big, opulent wines with tremendous cellaring potential. His Cabernets are the backbone to the magical 2009 Mernet Reserve

About Robert Keenan Winery

In 1974, Robert Keenan planted Cabernet and Chardonnay Napa valley wines 1,700 feet above Napa Valley. His bet that the rocky, limey, high mountain tops of the Spring Mountain would produce enviable terroirs paid off. Since then, Keenan Winery has been tantalizing wine drinkers with some of California's top Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot Napa valley. Robert Parker, Jr. has awarded 47 of Keenan's last eight vintages between 90-97 points.

Robert's son, Michael Keenan, now President of the winery, carries on his father's passionate commitment to quality and attention to detail in every aspect of producing world-class wines. For example, Michael insists that only fine Portuguese cork be used in Keenan's bottles.

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

To learn more about the Robert Keenan 2009 Mernet and the Napa Valley Winery, please contact:

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