2003 Chicken Ranch Vineyard Merlot

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.

WINEMAKING
After a cold pre -soak, the grapes were fermented using the rack -andreturn method (delestage) favored by leading Bordeaux chateaux. In addition to increasing color and flavor, this process allows for the removal of seeds, which reduces astringency 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.

WINEMAKER NOTES
All of our vineyards yield wines that are distinct and recognizable from year to year. The signature flavors for Chicken Ranch are earth and dried herbs. This 2003 is textbook Rutherford Merlot. The color is deep, the nose is ripe and tinged with olives, leather and sage, and the flavors are ripe and lush.

WINE INFORMATION
Composition: 86% Merlot, 14% Cabernet Sauvignon
Barrel Aging: Oak: 92% French, 8% Hungarian, 75% new
Alcohol: 13.0%
Total Acidity: .555 g/100ml
Cases: 2362 six -packs
Release Date: June, 2005