Keenan Spring Mountain Mailbox Vineyard Reserve Merlot 2021

For the nineteenth consecutive year the rechristened "Mailbox" vineyard has been chosen as the source for the Reserve Merlot bottling. Hints of violets and a signature earthy spiciness show in the nose, a chocolaty creaminess combines with the rich dark full fruit on the palette, the finish is beautifully layered, deep, elegant and very, very long. Drink now or decades from now. The 2021 Merlot Reserve Mailbox Vineyard will delight readers who enjoy old-school Napa Valley classicism. There is nothing flashy or fancy here, just a savory, structured mountain Merlot with a ton of character. Dark fruit, herbs, pine, underbrush and graphite are some of the many nuances that open with a bit of coaxing. I would be hard pressed to call this Merlot in a blind tasting. It's more a wine of place than anything else. A well-concentrated, deep but relaxed wine that's full-bodied and drinks easily. With each sip, more raspberries, cherries, blackcurrants and dark chocolate come out, braced by firm but polished tannins. Drink now or hold.