2003 Chicken Ranch Vineyard Cabernet

The 28-acre Chicken Ranch Vineyard is located on the northern border of the Rutherford appellation. Sustainable farming methods (including Biodynamic techniques on some blocks) accompanied by low yields and aggressive canopy management produce wines that are dark, dense and packed with “Rutherford Dust.”

The 2003 vintage was a roller coaster. The season began with heat spikes in March followed by one of the wettest Aprils on record. A warm summer and more heat in September raised sugars quickly creating a frenetic harvest. Overall, the quality for both reds and whites in Napa Valley was quite high.

The farming improvements we’ve made at Chicken Ranch over the past few years have begun to yield impressive results. This is always one of our most approachable Cabernets and 2003 is no exception. The color is dark; the nose is cassis, blackberries, plums and leather; and the finish is smooth and balanced.

Composition: 100% Cabernet
Alcohol: 13.5%
pH: 3.65
T.A.: .60g/100ml
Cases: 2,500 6-packs
Release Date: August 2005