Keenan 'Ghisletta Vineyard' Merlot, Carneros, Napa Valley, California 2022

Founded in 1974 by Robert Keenan, the winery sits at 1,700 feet on the eastern slope of the Mayacamas Range in the Spring Mountain District, on the site of the historic Peter Conradi Winery established in the late 19th century. Under the leadership of Michael Keenan, who assumed direction of the estate in 1998, Keenan undertook a rigorous replanting program focused on increasing soil health through sustainable farming methods, organic compost, and cover cropping. Long regarded as one of Napa Valley's finest practitioners of mountain Merlot, the winery has bottled a dedicated Carneros cuvée since 1999, when the quality and distinctiveness of the purchased fruit warranted a single-appellation release. The 'Ghisletta Vineyard' represents this tradition — a fruit-driven, supple counterpoint to the denser, more structured Merlots grown on the estate's mountain soils.

• WINEMAKER: Michael Keenan with Matt Gardner (General Manager) and Aristeo Martinez (Cellar Master)
• FARMING: Sustainably farmed; Keenan is certified by the Napa Valley Vintners Association as a green winery, solar-powered since 2007.
• VARIETY: 100% Merlot
• TERROIR: Sourced entirely from the Ghisletta Vineyard in the Carneros AVA — the southernmost district of Napa Valley, bordered by the cooling influence of San Pablo Bay. The region's persistent marine fog and moderate temperatures produce Merlot of notable fruit purity, natural acidity, and soft, approachable structure — a distinct contrast to Spring Mountain's concentrated, tannic mountain fruit.
• VINIFICATION: Keenan employs a conservative, minimal approach in the cellar, allowing true varietal character to prevail, with less new French oak used throughout the aging process
• AGING: Bottled May 1, 2024. 14.3% abv. 247 cases produced.
• TASTING NOTES: Jammy blackberry and raspberry on the nose, opening to nuances of spice and cocoa. Silky mouthfeel with well-balanced structure and a fruit-forward finish.
• FOOD PAIRINGS: Roasted duck, mushroom risotto, lamb ragù, mild aged cheeses