2017 Robert Keenan Winery Cabernet Sauvignon

Community Tasting Notes (16) Avg Score: 91 points

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  1/3/2024 - Kashvino Likes this wine: 93 Points

  Deep garnet ruby with earthy tones of damp mountain soil leading to eucalyptus, blueberry and blackberry. The palate is medium body and this is where the mountain juice expresses itself. There is fine structure with a remarkable balance. The tannins are well rounded and the finish is terrific. Highly recommend Keenan to anyone visiting Napa. It’s a family owned winery producing classy vintages.

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  12/25/2023 - Tgood wrote:

  Dense red black - ready aromas of black cherry, scorched earth, graphite, and minty herbalness - concentrated palate where the tannins and tartness suspend and extend focus of flavors well closing in a balanced yum without harshness or bitterness of any sort. Played nice with Xmas rib roast - no surprise.

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  9/18/2023 - sid_loves_wine Likes this wine: 93 Points

  Lovely stuff. Extremely similar to their '17 Napa Merlot I wrote a note for recently; this was showing just somewhat darker shades of fruit and a touch more density (also maybe a bit more tannic ruggedness). I'm not sure if it was $15-$20 better than the Merlot right now, but I think it has a slightly longer life ahead. Both are built for aging.
  
  No decant- I thought it was honestly best right at opening, as the tannins increased in strength throughout the tasting. This needs a cellar nap more than a decant. Lots and lots of cedary oak, but it doesn't bury the fresh blackberry/black plum fruit. Dense, but not even remotely jammy or hot, and thankfully, not "green" either save for a very subtle, well-integrated touch of tobacco. The palate has solid weight and acidity; the tannins are definitely a bit coarse on the finish once the fruit finally fades.
  
  I slightly preferred their '16 Cab, which felt a touch more polished, without sacrificing elegance. It's possible this vintage showed the fruit a bit more over the oak. I've really enjoyed the wines I've tried from Keenan so far; they feel like a combination of a rich, unapologetic Napa flavor profile with the seriousness and structure of Bordeaux.

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  12/4/2022 - gstutz Likes this wine: 91 Points

  Much better than a bottle opened earlier but could still use some more time. Decanting and aeration helped, then a beautiful nose of cassis and tobacco with a touch of gravel. A more restrained style but significant fruit (plum and cassis) if swirled in mouth. Inky finish and the tannin comes out Very enjoyable now but give it at least another year.

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  9/11/2022 - Dagman Likes this wine: 90 Points

  Just now coming together but approachable.

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