Keever Vineyards
A few years ago on our anniversary, we had scheduled a visit/tour/tasting with a relatively unknown winery called Keever Vineyards in Yountville. How we found out about Keever Vineyards was our quest in following influential winemakers around Napa Valley. They hired renowned Celia Welch as their winemaker. We arrived at our pre-set time and met with the most charming “lady of the vineyard” Olga Keever. Not only was she extremely welcoming, but went the extra mile with a handmade congratulatory anniversary card. After that kind of a welcome, what transpired next was even better!!
Olga explained that the winery was opened in 2006, but their first vintage was 2002. This was their vision and dream which would be passed down in their family. After and during the tour, which included much discussion and some casual wine tasting, we were “blown away” by Celia Welch’s 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon. I immediately purchased a case and we have never been disappointed with subsequent 2010, 2011 and 2012 releases. It is no wonder why Keever has made my “Top Wines of the Year” for two years. (http://califonriawinesandwineries.com)
Celia used in the 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon release 96% Cab Sauvignon and 4% Cab Franc. She used 79% new French Oak for aging. The 2012 produced a dark cherry, with a cacophony of aromas which drinks well today and will be developing per Celia “for the next 6-8 years”. It can easily be held for up to 15 years.
Keever is kicking off their 2016 by releasing their 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon on January 13th (consider this a candid pre-announcement!). They also have available today both their Sauvignon Blanc (pineapples, peach) and Inspirado (Red Blend).
The facility is kept pristinely clean (pic taken looking down De-stemmer). Private tours are by appointment and they offer a Cave Wine & Cheese pairing for their Wine Society Members. The views from their Yountville west hillside allows one to look both north, south and west with vistas pictures cannot show properly. Should you arrange to tour/taste, you might even be greeted by the infectious smiling “lady of the vineyard” Olga – please say hello for me!!
http://www.keevervineyards.com/
California Wines & Wineries 