2016 Long Meadow Ranch Blanc de Noirs

Long Meadow Ranch is a large working estate with properties in Napa Valley, Anderson Valley and West Marin. Owned and operated by the Hall family since 1989, 650 acres of the estate is in the foothills of the Mayacamas Mountains. That property was once a historic working ranch given to a US Civil War veteran by Ulysses S. Grant. After falling into disrepair in the late 20th century, Ted and Laddie Hall bought the property and raised their sons on the ranch, turning it into a working, multi-faceted farm/ranch/wine estate. Long Meadow Ranch has more than 150 acres of vineyards in Napa and Anderson Valleys. The estate also includes olive groves, fruit and vegetable orchards and livestock operations where, among other animals, Highland cattle are raised. The estate is completely organic and practices sustainable farming. Long Meadow Ranch produces several terroir-specific wine labels,

Mendocino AVA was established in 1984 and amended in 1989. It includes numerous sub-appellations. Mendocino AVA is entirely within Mendocino County, and the AVA is known for its Mediterranean climate. Vintners successfully grow Carignan, Charbono, Grenache, Zinfandel, Petit Sirah and Syrah. In cooler parts of the region Pinot Noir and Chardonnay are also grown. Mendocino County is home to nearly 600 vineyards, and many have been certified organic for decades, thanks to the region’s famous “green and sustainable” approach to agriculture and nearly everything else. Mendocino was named for 16th century explorers, a pair of brothers whose last name was Mendoza. Winemaking, however, didn’t start until the 19th century when some would-be gold miners decided it was more profitable to make wine than to pan for gold. Italian immigrants in the late 19th century continued to establish winemaking ventures.