Nose
The wine is incredibly youthful, so the layered black fruits open slowly in the glass. Its green and earthy notes include green peppercorns, anise, savory brine, and surrounding forest floor
Palate
On the palate, the tannins are sweet and coating, which lends incredible entry volume and persistence of layered flavors.
Growing Conditions
This reserve wine takes its name from E.J. Church, Long Meadow Ranch’s pioneering settler who acquired the
property via a patent grant from President Ulysses S. Grant in 1872. We have replanted the southwest-facing vineyards which E.J. Church established in the 1870s. These mountain-grown grapes, planted at 1300 feet elevation, develop deep fruit flavors and ripe tannins which are handcrafted into an elegant, balanced wine.
“The 2010 E.J. Church Cabernet Sauvignon shows off the personality of Long Meadow Ranch’s Mayacamas Estate terroir in a cool growing season. The grapes were harvested later in mid-October, which hasn’t happened since 2006. As a result of ripening during autumnal climate conditions, all of this Cabernet’s vibrant varietal character has been retained.
The 2010 E. J. Church Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley expresses terroir, the personality of our vineyards in a cool growing season, and the positive effects of decades of winegrowing experience in the same place. The 2010 growing season was cool and late. Patience, confidence and hopefulness influenced the picking decisions that were later in the season than any others in Long Meadow Ranch’s history. We were rewarded with fruit that was ripe indeed and classically structured.
Aging
50% new French oak.
Food Pairing
Perfect with LMR grass-fed Highland beef, with lamb, or with roasted game.
