An extraordinary Cabernet that stands out even in this great vintage, and among its Rutherford peers. Quite dry and tannic in youth, it shows an astringency that strongly suggests the cellar. Underneath are powerhouse flavors of blackberries, black and red cherries, spices, tea and cedar.\n \n Producer Information\n Long Meadow Ranch (LMR Wine Estates) is a Californian agricultural business owned by Ted, Laddie and Christopher Hall. They farm more than 150 acres (61 hectares) of vineyards in the Napa Valley and Anderson Valley. Grape varieties farmed by the company include the Bordeaux red varieties, Sangiovese, Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and Pinot Gris. LMR aims for elegance, balance and restraint with moderate alcohol levels in its wines. All vineyards are certified organic by CCOF (California Certified Organic Farmers). Furthermore, Long Meadow Ranch is a leader of full-circle farming, an integrated system of organic, sustainable farming applied across various product types. As well as wine, the business produces olives and olive oil, beef, lamb, heirloom fruit and vegetables, honey and eggs. The property that became Long Meadow Ranch was bought by the Hall family in 1989. It had been neglected since Prohibition, so the family had to cut to clear abandoned olive groves, and replant vineyards and orchards. The winery is also situated here, as is an award-winning restaurant, Farmstead at Long Meadow Ranch. Wines under the Mayacamas Estate designation come from the vineyards within Long Meadow Ranch, sitting high in the mountains above the Rutherford Bench. The Halls also own wine estates in Rutherford and Anderson Valley; each has its own range of wines. Many of these are only available direct from the producer. The best barrels of Cabernet Sauvignon from across Napa are made into the EJ Church Reserve. The lower-priced Long Ranch Napa Valley and Farmstead ranges complete the lineup. The latter range is inspired by food and wine pairings at the restaurant. The latter references the farmstead in St Helena, which boasts the main estate store and dining venues. A cattle ranch near Tomales Bay completes the portfolio.
