Nose
This is a very attractive wine with a rich, full nose of mint, baker’s chocolate and black cherry.
Palate
The use of new French oak is balanced by fresh, natural acidity and tannins definitive of our hillside estate plantings.
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 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 1,300- feet elevation, develop deep fruit flavors and ripe tannins, which are handcrafted into an elegant, balanced wine.
The third consecutive cool and late growing season of 2012 was perfect for our Cabernet Sauvignon. Our dry winter ended with moderate rainfall in March, giving us a long growing season that also led to richer flavor development. We opened the vine canopies to ensure sunlight, warmth and good air circulation around the grape clusters. The night-harvested grapes retained their enticing aromas and naturally
pleasing acidity all the way to the bottle. The 2012 E.J. Church Reserve is a classic representation of the true potential of our best blocks of Cabernet Sauvignon from our Mayacamas Estate home ranch.
Aging
50% new French oak
Food Pairing
Perfect with LMR grass fed Highland beef, lamb, or roasted game
