2002 Chicken Ranch Merlot

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 28-acre Chicken Ranch Vineyard is located on the northern border of the Rutherford appellation.

After a cold pre-soak, the grapes were fermented using the rack-and-return method (delestage) favored by leading Bordeaux chateaux. In this technique, the winemakers drain a tank of juice and transfer it to another tank, then return the juice to the fermenting tank, splashing it over the fallen caps of skins. In addition to increasing color and flavor, this process allows for the removal of seeds, which reduces astingency and produces more supple tannins. To further soften tannins and create a more generous texture, the wine was exposed to air during fermentation and barrel aging.

I will always remember 2002 as my first vintage as head winemaker from start to finish. Fortunately, it was a very good year. The '02 Chicken Ranch is textbook Napa Merlot. The nose is a mix of cassis, earth and vanilla. The palate is soft, thick and balanced. The finish is long and luscious.