Long Meadow Ranch is a renowned family owned estate located in the heart of Napa Valley, California, founded in 1979 and celebrated for its holistic approach to vineyard management and winemaking. The estate spans valley floor and hillside sites, where the combination of warm Mediterranean influenced days and cool Pacific breezes creates ideal conditions for growing richly structured grapes with bright acidity. The grapes for this wine are estate grown from their Mayacamas & Rutherford Estates. Soils vary from gravelly loam to volcanic deposits, contributing complexity and minerality to the wines. The estate embraces sustainable and environmentally conscious farming and all the vineyards are certified organic by California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF), highlighting its commitment to natural viticulture practices.
Long Meadow Ranch Merlot 2019 is made from 100% organically farmed Merlot grapes, hand harvested at optimal ripeness. After careful sorting, fermentation takes place in a combination of stainless steel and small oak fermenters to extract flavour and structure. The wine is aged for around 18 months in 25% new French oak, including a proportion of new oak, which adds nuance and complexity without overwhelming the fruit. The 2019 vintage offers rich aromas of dark cherries, plum and cassis, with supporting notes of cedar, spice and subtle earth. On the palate it is smooth and velvety with balanced acidity and fine tannins. It pairs beautifully with roasted lamb, grilled beef, mushroom based dishes and smoked baby back ribs, or barbecued pulled pork sandwiches, showcasing its versatility and refined depth.