2018 Long Meadow Ranch Pinot Noir from Anderson Valley
Photo ©Michael Kelly
The Winery and Background
This is not your typical winery or vineyard estate. It is a very large scale operation inclusive of three distinct tasting sites, a restaurant, farm, event venue, etc. In a quick recap the three tasting rooms feature all their wines, but each is distinguished by their key local products grown. Their Mountain Estate in the Mayacamas above Rutherford, features their Sangiovese, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon. The Rutherford location in mineral rich Napa Valley floor features Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. The third location, which I will be writing about, is their Anderson Valley Estate where Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Gris are the dominant wines. This is in Mendocino County AVA.
Map from https://thedeliciouslife.com/
Anderson Valley is a Northwest to Southeast valley about 15 miles long and is between 3-5 miles wide. It is bordered on the eastern edge by the Navarro River and on the west edge by the Pacific Ocean. The warm summer days along with the cooling winds and/or fog from the Pacific Ocean make this an ideal location for the three varietals mentioned.
Ted Hall is the CEO and President of the various operations forming Long Meadow Ranch and various other businesses. Ted, with his wife Laddie, are still active in the business. When reading Ted’s extensive biography one is simply exhausted. While having never met him, his energy level is remarkable! You can read about him at:
https://www.longmeadowranch.com/ted-hall-bio/
His son Chris is now very much involved in the family business. Their motto for all aspects of the business is “Excellence through responsible farming”. They are involved in many, many initiatives to exemplify their commitment.
The Wine “Wine is bottled poetry” – Robert Louis Stevenson
Photo ©Michael Kelly
A bright and refreshing Pinot Noir. On the eyes a purple and violet hue and medium viscosity. On the nose, violet flowers waft into the senses. Once on the palate, a range of typical Pinot flavors of cranberry and red cherries. Secondary flavors of spice and vanilla were found. On the finish, bright acidity and a sweetness not of sugar but berries was dominant. Soft and delicate layers beckoned one to continue to sip this nicely structured wine to completion.
The Food and Wine Pairing “Food without wine is a corpse; wine without food is a ghost. United and well matched, they are as body and soul: living partners” – Andre Simon
Photo ©Michael Kelly
The wine was specifically selected for tonight’s dinner with a marinated and dry rubbed BBQ’d pork tenderloin. The dry rub included chili powder, brown sugar, dried oregano, paprika, cinnamon, garlic powder, fine sea salt and a little extra virgin olive oil. The slices of pork tenderloin each provided ample flavors to assimilate the refreshing wine. The meal was accompanied by sautéed asparagus and roasted and quartered potatoes. Steward and Jasper Cherry Pepper sauce topped the pork slices and provided a cooling of the spicy dry rub on the meat. A very good food and wine pairing!
Sláinte,
Michael
https://californiawinesandwineries.com
October 8, 2023 at 6:21 am
Both the wine and meal sound amazing! Thanks for this.
October 8, 2023 at 3:05 pm
Yes another good meal this week!!