Keenan SMD Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve '20

The warmer 2020 vintage yielded a more opulent expression of this iconic Reserve. Inky black-ruby, it offers a kaleidoscopic nose of black cherry liqueur, roasted coffee beans, crushed mint, and a touch of iron-rich sanguinity—like licking a wet river rock. The palate is voluptuous yet structured, with flavors of blackcurrant jam, Toscano cigar wrapper, and a umami-rich beef stock reduction that Jeb Dunnuck (97 pts) describes as "a Napa First Growth in the making." Aged 24 months in 100% new Darnajou oak, the tannins are sweetened by the vintage’s ripe fruit, making it approachable now but built for 2035–2050. Pair with wood-grilled porterhouse or wild boar pappardelle.