Long Meadow Ranch Merlot 2018
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Wine
Enthusiast
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Winemaker Notes
A blend of small Merlot blocks at our Mayacamas and Rutherford estate vineyards showcases the pleasant synergy of mountain and valley floor fruit. The 2018 opens with aromas of Bing cherry, cranberry and pomegranate with the slightest hints of vanilla and cinnamon. A very light sweet French oak profile, long soft tannins, and a luscious acidity makes this a versatile quaffer that will please most at your next social gathering.
Pair with grass-fed beef, smoked baby back ribs, barbecued pulled pork sandwiches or balsamic braised grass-fed lamb shanks.
Professional Ratings
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Wine Enthusiast
Nervy and savory, this medium-bodied wine mingles bay laurel, raspberry, tobacco and new leather on lightly tannic and slightly tangy texture. The wine is lively, a little grippy on the palate and makes the mouth water for the next bite of food.
Other Vintages
2016-
Wine
Enthusiast -
Wilfred
Wong - Decanter
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Wilfred
Wong
Long Meadow ranch organically farms 90 acres of vineyards in the heart of the Napa Valley - 74 acres of Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvingon vineyards in Rutherford, and 16 acres of mountain vineyards on the Mayacamas Estate The Mayacamas Estate vineyards are carved from a second growth forest at about 1,100 feet elevation.
On the Mayacamas Estate vineyard development in 1990 under the guiding hand of Napa Valley vineyard management legend, Laurie Wood. From 1998 to 2011, the vineyards were managed by Frank Leeds of Leeds-Pesch Organic Vineyard Consulting, a true pioneer in organic farming in the Napa Valley.
Today all the vineyards are ably managed by Tony Fernandez. All of our vineyards are farmed using organic practices certified by California Certified Organic Farmers.
As Napa Valley’s third most planted grape, Napa Valley Merlot shows time and time again its potential to produce exceptional results. Napa’s vaunted combination of climate, soil and the human factor of winemaking expertise lead to big, ripe, cellar-worthy and world-class versions.
Whether made by itself in single varietal bottlings or as an important role in Bordeaux Blends, Merlot continues a prominent role in this famous region. While Cabernet typically takes the lead role, Merlot’s contribution—even at 10% to 20% or so—is significant indeed. Often described as “the flesh on Cabernet’s bones,” Merlot lends a soft, round and plush character that beautifully complements Cabernet’s linear, full-throttle structure. Its flavors of plums plus subtle herbs and mint also dovetail nicely with Cabernet’s blackberry and cassis.