Keever Vineyards – Wine Tasting
Keever Vineyards wine tasting came after a disappointing visit to Frog’s Leap Vineyards. I was dismayed, as were we all at their lack of preparedness and attention that I won’t be writing about that tasting. If you would like to read a brief account of Frog’s Leap click here to read what Wine Wrangling Woman had to say about it.
I’m moving on to Keever Vineyards where we were graciously welcomed by Olga Keever who owns the vineyard with her husband Bill, a Napa native. Located on the rocky western slopes of Yountville this vineyard is family owned and operated. Situated about 300 feet above the valley floor Keever offers commanding views to enjoy while sipping on a delicious glass of Cab.
As we entered the tasting room we were pleasantly surprised to find personalized tasting guides for each couple. We knew by this notable touch that we were in for a treat. We perused the tasting room enjoying the views out the windows and sipping on our first glass of Sauvignon Blanc.
Bright, fresh and crisp with lemon and apricot flavors and just a touch of minerality. It is energetic and fresh on the palate. Only 449 cases were produced of this dry and creamy Sav Blanc.
We settled into comfy leather chairs as Olga began to tell us the history of this young vineyard. Opened in 2006 with vineyards dotting the land, Keever was required to submit an erosion control plan for much of their vineyards as the soil here is mostly rocky with little to no dirt. Nonetheless Bill and Olga persevered and now plant 6 acres of Cabarnet Sauvignon and another one-third of an acre to Sauvignon Blanc.
After enjoying the Sav Blanc Olga, dark haired and small in stature, poured our second tasting, 2011 Keever Vneyards Inspirado. Complex with aromas ranging from fresh blueberries to bay leaf, sweet raspberry jam, red currants, and earthy forest floor notes create a unique aroma to this ruby colored wine. Only 450 cases of Inspirado, which means “inspired” in Spanish, were produced. This is the one we chose to purchase. Crisp and refreshing with many flavors as promised by the aromas.
Last we were poured 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon. Soft upon entering this wine shows a richness throughout the palate and finishes with a warm, silky texture. This is a wine that is delicious today but will mature over the next few years. Perfect for storing in my new wine cooler! We decided to continue our tour with a glass of this wine in hand.
We were given an all out tour of the ins and outs of making wine at Keever. The machine pictured above was the one I found most interesting. Have you a clue what it does? I still can’t figure this one out but this machine removes the stems from the freshly picked grapes! I don’t get it but I like it. There is so much that goes into the process of growing and making wines, it intrigues me and will keep me coming back to places like Keever to grasp a bit more each time.
Next we were treated to a visit to the caves of Keever accompanied by the resident pooch. Cool and dark as we know by now, but lovely none the less. We were reaching the end of our tour at this time and finishing our succulent glasses of cab. We took a stroll to the edge of the property to take in the view one last time before we said our good byes – and of course we needed one last selfie!
I recommend a visit to this small and intimate vineyard if you find yourself touring in Napa. The wines are delicious and the Keever’s will gladly receive you. By the time you leave you’ll feel like family. I call that a win-win!
