2013 Keenan Spring Mountain Cabernet Franc – Dubbed as “”Freakishly Good”
I have been a fan of Keenan wines for over twenty years. Keenan winery is located on Spring Mountain which is one of the unique areas for Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot wine
One of the hallmarks of Keenan wines is his year to year consistency. This is due in part to the viticulture of the estate and the artistry of winemaker Nils Venge. I have enjoyed every wine he has made or acted as the consulting winemaker!
The Wine “Wine is bottled poetry” – Robert Louis Stevenson
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Michael Keenan’s 2013 Cabernet Franc, Napa Valley is grown primarily from grapes on the Spring Mountain estate at 2000 feet elevation on the estate property. The fruit is hand-picked and fermented in stainless tanks. The wine is then aged in French and American oak barrels for twenty months. It is 100% Cabernet Franc.
On the eyes a deep, almost blackest coloring showing the pedigree of Spring Mountain Cabernet Franc. On the nose, blueberry and raspberry waft into the senses. On the palate a beautiful silky smooth drink with rounded tannins presenting an elegant finish begging to be sipped once again! Michael Keenan called it “freakishly good”, and I concur. Robert Parker gave it 94 points and today it goes for $105/bottle.
The Food and Wine Pairing “Food without wine is a corpse; wine without food is a ghost. United and well matched, they are as body and soul: living partners” – Andre Simon
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Paired last evening with a ribeye steak, seared at 1200-1400 degrees and served medium rare. The searing provided a nice char finish with a glistening red center sealing in the juices and flavors. Accompanied by roasted Yukon Gold potatoes and a fresh garden salad.
Truly an extraordinary food and wine pairing!
Sláinte,
Michael