Trinchero Napa Valley

Chicken Ranch Vineyard Merlot

9.121 ratings
9.14 pro ratings
Rutherford, Napa Valley, California, USA
Merlot
Beef, Venison, Salami & Prosciutto, Chili & Hot Spicy, Potato, Exotic Spices, Lamb, White Rice, Baking Spices, Herbs, Pasta, Chicken, Mushrooms, Pungent Cheese, Turkey, Tomato-Based, Soft Cheese, Pork, Beans & Peas, Hard Cheese, Duck, Onion, Shallot, Garlic
Top Notes For
Mike R
9.3

Really good - right in its prime - smiling

Really good - right in its prime - smiling

Jan 11th, 2020
Tobin Trevarthen

Garnet. Did not knock my socks off. Gritty. Tight. Was expecting a more mellow, well balanced outcome.

Garnet. Did not knock my socks off. Gritty. Tight. Was expecting a more mellow, well balanced outcome.

Nov 16th, 2018
"Odedi"

Time for #MerlotThursday! Here is a great one from Rutherford.

Dark dirty ruby in color with a short brick rim.

Still fruity on the nose with black plums, black cherries, black currants, cooked cherries, raisins, earth, leather, vanilla, light cedar, spices, vinaigrette, light alcohol, pencil lead, dark chocolates, dark coffee and peppercorn. I loved the nose, so complex.

Medium plus in body with medium plus acidity and long legs.

Dry on the palate with plums, black currants, wood, vanilla, vegetables, dark coffee, bitter herbs, leather, licorice, earth, black pepper, chocolates and spices.

Long finish with persistent yet fine tannins, and tangy raspberries.

This 8 year old Merlot from Napa Valley is drinking very nicely now, with an awesome nose that I just kept on smelling, for a long while.

This Single Vineyard is nicely balanced with nice complexity and a great mouthfeel. Will get even better in the next few years as it gets smoother.

This is a great sipping wine, to drink all by itself and talk about.

100% Merlot grapes were aged for 20 months in French Oak barrels (45% new).

14.2% alcohol by volume.

91 points.

$39.

Time for #MerlotThursday! Here is a great one from Rutherford.

Dark dirty ruby in color with a short brick rim.

Still fruity on the nose with black plums, black cherries, black currants, cooked cherries, raisins, earth, leather, vanilla, light cedar, spices, vinaigrette, light alcohol, pencil lead, dark chocolates, dark coffee and peppercorn. I loved the nose, so complex.

Medium plus in body with medium plus acidity and long legs.

Dry on the palate with plums, black currants, wood, vanilla, vegetables, dark coffee, bitter herbs, leather, licorice, earth, black pepper, chocolates and spices.

Long finish with persistent yet fine tannins, and tangy raspberries.

This 8 year old Merlot from Napa Valley is drinking very nicely now, with an awesome nose that I just kept on smelling, for a long while.

This Single Vineyard is nicely balanced with nice complexity and a great mouthfeel. Will get even better in the next few years as it gets smoother.

This is a great sipping wine, to drink all by itself and talk about.

100% Merlot grapes were aged for 20 months in French Oak barrels (45% new).

14.2% alcohol by volume.

91 points.

$39.

Oct 25th, 2018
Brian Ager

Usually Merlot is not among my favorites, but clearly I have been drinking the wrong wines. This wine is wonderfully smooth and balanced with medium-high tannins. Aromas of tobacco, raspberry and pomegranate fill the glass. It has a full bodied pallate of dark cherries and nutmeg, with hints of cocoa and a bit of spice that continue into a long enjoyable finish. Drank at VIC's in NE Minneapolis for mystery wine night, and paired with a Kobe beef burger! ($36)

Usually Merlot is not among my favorites, but clearly I have been drinking the wrong wines. This wine is wonderfully smooth and balanced with medium-high tannins. Aromas of tobacco, raspberry and pomegranate fill the glass. It has a full bodied pallate of dark cherries and nutmeg, with hints of cocoa and a bit of spice that continue into a long enjoyable finish. Drank at VIC's in NE Minneapolis for mystery wine night, and paired with a Kobe beef burger! ($36)

2 people found it helpfulMar 27th, 2016
N M
8.9

Had at Songkran. Drinks more like a cab.

Had at Songkran. Drinks more like a cab.

1 person found it helpfulOct 5th, 2014
Andrew Lampasone

Owner Wine Watch Selections

9.3

Andrew had this 11 years ago

Andrew had this 11 years ago

Feb 13th, 2014
Charles Holladay

Charles had this 6 years ago

Charles had this 6 years ago

Aug 24th, 2018
Ann Thomas

Ann had this 7 years ago

Ann had this 7 years ago

Jan 28th, 2018
Julie Hamilton

Julie had this 7 years ago

Julie had this 7 years ago

Oct 26th, 2017
Wesley Taylor

Wesley had this 8 years ago

Wesley had this 8 years ago

Apr 14th, 2017