Keenan 2015 Spring Mountain Reserve Mernet 1.5L

Blended of 50% Merlot and 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, the medium to deep garnet-purple colored 2015 Mernet Reserve opens with a meaty/earthy nose and a core of black cherries, red currants and mulberries plus pencil lead and bay leaves suggestions. Rich and concentrated, with firm tannins in the medium to full-bodied mouth, it's packed with fruit and finishes long and earthy.

This selection from Michael Keenan’s vineyards near the top of Spring Mountain blends merlot and cabernet sauvignon in a powerfully structured red. It needs two days of air for the flavors to clarify, its initial high-toned spice and honeyed perfume turning savory, toward tobacco and resinous herbs, while the earthiness of the tannins lends an austere grace. With its mountain- grown intensity, the wine will benefit from cellar time, or from decanting alongside braised lamb.

Ripe plums, morello cherries, underbrush, cedar, mahogany and blackberry essence. Full-bodied with a lovely structure of firm, chewy tannins, bright acidity and a fruit-forward finish. A blend of merlot and cabernet sauvignon. Better in 2021.