Chicken Ranch

CLIMATE:

Unusual fact: Rutherford possesses a higher radiant value than other parts of Napa Valley. Being located at Napa Valley's widest point, the appellation spends more time in the sun than its neighbors. University of California, Davis categorizes Rutherford as a Region II, with over 3,000-degree days during the growing season. Typical of California’s coastally-influenced areas, the district enjoys warm days and cool nights. An average summer temperature may drop 12 degrees (F) immediately after sunset. This fluctuation allows the fruit to ripen at a steady pace while maintaining balanced acidity. Rutherford has an average rainfall of 26-36 inches per year.

SOILS:

Cole Soil Series, Cole Silt Loam. These soils formed in the alluvium weathered from sandstone, slate, and basic rock. The soil surface is grayish brown, slightly acid silt loam about 8 inches thick. The subsoil is dark gray, neutral to mildly alkaline silty clay loam in the upper 24” and grayish brown mildly alkaline silty clay loam in the lower 9”. The substratum to a depth of 64” or more is grayish brown and light yellowish brown moderately alkaline clay loam and is mottled at a depth of more than 48”. Permeability is moderately slow. The effective rooting depth is 60” or more and the available water holding capacity is 10 to 12”.

Winemaking:

Winemaker Joe Shirley incorporates extensive seed removal into the cap management process as well as oxidative rackings during the barrel aging period. This allows the tannins to polymerize more fully creating larger, softer tannins out of smaller, more aggressive and angular ones. It also helps release the aromatic berry character inherent in the grapes. At harvest, Joe allows the fruit to ripen fully to create warm, jammy, black plum flavors highlighted with a healthy dose of famous “Rutherford Dust.”

WINE CHARACTERISTICS:

Trinchero's Chicken Ranch Cabernet is deep, forward, lush and fruity. The combination of opulence and soft tannins make it ideal for early consumption. The Merlot from this property is soft, generous, lightly herbal, forward and fruity. It is a wine that also drinks beautifully in its youth.