Long Meadow Ranch is open to the public!

Before Long Meadow Ranch refurbished the old Victorian on the property of Whiting's Nursery and the site of St. Helena's newest culinary establishment, Farmstead, I had seen the LMR label on a bottle of Sangiovese. This particular varietal has always intrigued and mystified me--especially when it's produced in Napa as opposed to Tuscany. Once the "open" sign appeared out front along the Highway, I was ready to check it LMR's new tasting room and their unfamiliar wines.

Unfortunately, the Sangiovese wasn't available to taste within the bright, simply designed venue located on the first floor of the Victorian (a St. Helena landmark). But I'm sure it was possible to buy a bottle and sip it while lounging near Farmstead's outdoor fireplace. (If this hadn't been our first stop, we might have done just that!)

The tasting comprised of the 2008 Sauvignon Blanc (light, grassy and refreshing), the 2006 "Ranch House Red" (approachable and affordable) and the 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon (the perfect companion to a LMR steak), followed by an ounce of Estate Olive Oil (green and peppery).

These wines were rustic and simple, not complex or exclusive or pretentious. They parallel the unassuming, friendly air of the tasting room, but more importantly, their flavors match those of the organic vegetables and the grass-fed livestock grown on Long Meadow Ranch and offered on the menu at Farmstead. Check out the menu at www.longmeadowranch.com