2021 La Jota Merlot W.S. Keyes Vineyard
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Tasting notes
The 2021 W.S. Keyes Merlot is a blend of 78% Merlot and 22% Cabernet Sauvignon, with the Merlot coming from a block planted in 1986 (a partner block goes into Cardinale). Scents of cedar, mint and black cherries dominate the nose, while the palate is full-bodied, rich, round and even opulent but with a strong spine of acid and tannin that prolongs the finish and should see it age well. Concentrated, long, dusty and firm but fully ripe, this is the rare Napa Valley Merlot than can age for up to two decades.
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Jeb Dunnuck
Joe Czerwinski, Wine Advocate
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The 2021 Merlot W.S. Keyes Vineyard reminds me of a great vintage of Petrus, and if there's a better Merlot out there, I don't know of it. Incredible dark fruits (blackberries, darker cherries), leather, damp earth, graphite, and violet notes all emerge on the nose, and it hits the palate with full-bodied richness, building, ultra-fine tannins, flawless balance, and a great finish. It's heavenly today yet will cruise for 15-20 years in cold cellars.