July 2007

Long Meadow Ranch, Peter’s Vineyard, Napa Valley

September 10, 2004

Aged in neutral French oak for 18 months, the wine shows a rich complexity that hints at its Tuscan heritage.

13.0 percent

200 cases

Perfect with roasted poultry, wood oven-baked pizza, and pasta.

Bud break occurred earlier than we could remember and the trend carried forward throughout the growing season. Heat spikes occurred in June and at scattered intervals throughout the summer season. The Sangiovese completed veraison early and temperatures were steady resulting in one of our earliest harvests. Grape quality was excellent with a crop that was much smaller than average.

"With a youthful, brilliant ruby color in the glass, the 2004 vintage is a riper version of LMR's Sangiovese. But, it still has plenty of vibrancy and varietal acidity. The red fruits of cherry plums and black cherry are complemented by sweet spiciness, minerals, dried orange peel, leather and cocoa powder. The broad, full entry becomes characteristically more focused on the mid palate. The finish delivers a mouthwatering burst of red fruit and dried orange peel, which invites another sip. Enjoy! " - Ashley Heisey

In 1994 we began developing a Sangiovese vineyard. Inspired by our family friend, Peter Kraljic, who spent many seasons in the hills of Tuscany, "Peter's Vineyard" is located at a 1000 elevation on a southwest-facing slope. Aspiring to make a truly great Sangiovese in the tradition of Brunello, we believe that we are the first to plant on a site in the Mayacamas Mountains. Employing 3309 rootstock to reduce vigor and using the small-cluster, small-berry clone known as "Rodeno," we produce this rich, full-bodied wine. Now in our third release, we are continuing to explore the possibilities for "Peter's Vineyard."

Owned by Ted, Laddie & Christopher Hall, LMR employs an integrated organic farming system using simple, sustainable methods. Each part of the Ranch contributes to the health of the whole. Vineyards and wine making, olive orchards and olive oil making, cattle and horse breeding all work together in complementary fashion, as do the egg-laying poultry flock and the organic vegetable gardens.

“Estate” fertilizers are created through an extensive composting operation that relies on organic material from each segment of the Ranch. Soil erosion is controlled and new soils are built through the extensive use of permanent cover crops made up of carefully selected grasses, clovers, and legumes. All crops are certified organic by the California Certified Organic Farmers and are grown without the use of herbicides, pesticides, or chemical fertilizers.

PO Box 477
Rutherford, CA 94573

Phone: (707) 963-4555
Fax: (707) 963-1956
www.longmeadowranch.com