2005 Chicken Ranch Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon

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

While some might describe the 2005 harvest as late starting, at the Chicken Ranch we ended our pick on Halloween. The rains held off and the weather was moderate allowing for steady ripening of fruit and flavors. After a cold pre-soak, the grapes were fermented using the rack-and-return method (delestage) favored by leading Bordeaux chateaux. In addition to increasing color and flavor, this process allows for the removal of seeds, reducing astringency and producting more supple tannins. To further soften tannins and create a more generous texture, the wine was exposed to air during fermentation and barrel aging.

One of our most approachable Cabernets, we think it just keeps getting better and better with continued farming improvements. A classic Cabernet nose with hints of vanilla proceeds lush flavors of currant, raspberry ending in a smooth, lightly “dusty” finish.

Composition:100% Cabernet
Barrel Aging:91% French, 6% American, 3% Hungarian; 36% new
Alcohol:14.25%
pH:3.59
T.A.:.63g/100ml
Cases:6300 6-packs
Release Date:September 2007