Nose
The aromas exude blackberry compote, black cherry, toasted brioche and hints of dark roasted coffee beans, fruity olives and toffee.
Palate
The feel on the palate is rich and round on entry, but quickly opens and sweetens to offer sappy black cherry and sophisticated juiciness. The fruit sweetness and pleasing structure persist to the finish, accompanied by layers of vanilla, roasted hazelnuts and well integrated, other mouthwatering black fruits.
Growing Conditions
The weather in 2009 brought below average rainfall for the Napa Valley.
However, we did receive 2 inches of rain in the first two weeks of May which
provided sufficient soil moisture for our vineyards. The weather then turned
warm and breezy causing many set issues among red varieties around the valley,
but not at Long Meadow Ranch. We had a mild summer with slightly below
average temperatures, no longer prolong heat spikes and less morning fog than
usual. We harvested early and were pleased with the physiologically ripe grapes
at moderate sugars allowing us to make a fully flavored wine at lower alcohol.
The timing and duration of the 2009 bloom, veraison and harvest were right on
track, that is early enough for full maturation of tannins and late enough to avoid
heat insults of high summer. However, there is nothing average about the
outcome in the finished wines of the vintage. Since the late part of the growing
season was mild yet warm enough, this Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
benefited from many, many grape picks spanning more than a month while we
moved selectively around the Rutherford Bench and the western hills above
Rutherford.
Aging
Aged in new and used (50/50) French oak.
Food Pairing
Perfect with LMR Grass-fed Highland beef, with lamb, or with roasted game.
