2009 Trinchero Cabernet Sauvignon Haystack Vineyard Atlas Peak

Vineyard information

Ideally situated on the northern border of the Rutherford appellation, our Chicken Ranch Vineyard yields distinctive Cabernet with the signature flavors of briary red fruit, minerality and dried herbs. Here, the grapes enjoy a constant, warm climate and a unique soil composition that imbue the grapes with the prized hallmark of “Rutherford Dust.” This vineyard is farmed using biodynamic preparations. The name Chicken Ranch is a nod to the vineyard’s past as it was an egg farm before it became a vineyard in the 1970’s.

2009 growing season

As a whole, 2009 was a fairly uneventful vintage, starting with very little spring frost. Late spring rains delayed irrigation needs and the warm spell in June helped curtail excessive canopy development. Usually the Napa Valley goes through several heat spikes, but in 2009 the weather was very steady through September enabling the fruit to develop gradually and evenly. However, for our red grapes in some ways it was like having two harvests. We began picking the reds, then had a period of rain and didn’t pick for nearly two weeks, then went back and finished. Extending the harvest like this led to more intense aromatics and exceptional color.

Winemaker comments

“This Cabernet bursts with bright red fruit aromas coupled with black cherry and cranberry flavors. It is old world in style with its cigar box, mineral and savory aromas, structured tannins and good acidity. The Rutherford location, coupled with the vineyard’s rich organic soil and our current biodynamic practices lead to a wine that really expresses its terroir.” -Mario Monticelli

Varietal composition: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon

Harvest dates: October 26-28, 2009

Cooperage: 22 months, 100% French oak (65% new)

Release date: June 2012

Alcohol:  13.5%

ph: 3.85

Cases produced (9L): 2,985