Zelma Long was one of the pioneering female winemakers in Napa, getting her start with Robert Mondavi before taking the reins at Simi. Her estate winery was on Pritchard Hill, which is a pretty fancy place nowadays, and she made wines there from 1977 until 2006 when it was sold to a Portuguese family who renamed the property Gandona (Philippe Melka now makes the wines). You don't hear much about Long these days, but the Cabs are classic old-school Napa and tend to age very well. As it turns out the chard is no exception. Deep gold. Nutty, but not oxidized. Age has integrated the oak well. — 8 years ago
Decanted first 2+ hours, opened up tremendously. Wonderful wine. I just purple, fine legs. Raspberry nose. Beautifully balanced. Mild earth flavors, mild but not ripe red fruit. Drinks beautifully. Long finish. Perfectly balanced. — 5 years ago
A Napa Cabernet Franc tasting with the family today. The Detert and the Larkin were the favorites of the group; both had gorgeous black cherry and blueberry fruit with terrific aromatic intensity. The Gandona Meia and the Studio Seven-Fifty need more time. The Turnbull was slightly corked. — 7 years ago
Absolute premiere Pritchard Hill fruit. I don’t like it...,.............I Love it! 🎤 @David L
😘.
Badass in a Glass to say the least. Jonathan is the coolest, most down to earth and Estate manager that you will ever meet. We tasted there this week as many of you know and his Hospitality is 2nd to None!!!! We arrived at 1pm and left at 5:30!!!!! The owner, Manuel, is badass to say the least. He came in at the beginning of our tasting, then 1/2 through and joined us for the remainder of the evening! Our dear friend, Veronica Pedro, with whom we hung out with for the week is from Portugal and so is Manuel! Salt of the Earth and as kind & hospitable as you can find anywhere in Napa. @Howard Greenfield Mr. Napa-> I’ve got to hook you up with them. They get it and aren’t afraid to show it! They have a Lineup which is insanely opulent. You would absolutely adore them. Their Chardonnay is insanely awesome. One of my favorites. It’s Opulent Melka at his best.
Forgive me., I’m rambling on reminiscing of our incredible time there.
Look them up if you haven’t had them. I swear by them and so will @Kirk Alexander
It was so good that we wanted to taste it AGAIN once we were home 😍😘😘😍.
Enjoying phenomenal wine with family is what it’s all about. Thank Gandona for the amazing experience ☝️
Nuf said!! 🙌👏👏👏🙌☝️☝️☝️
— 6 years ago
Last of the wines tasted with Dan and Filipa at there home. Delicious juice in this bottling from up on Pritchard Hill, more specifically from the Gandona Estate vineyard.
Super dark ruby red with a powerful and dark nose. Layered with dark cinnamon and vanilla, dark cocoa, super dark berries, graphite and gunpowder. Moderate plus tannins (7.5/10) and full bodied. Luscious palate with layers of blue and black fruit with some nutmeg and dark gravel. Long and lingering finish. Definitely needs some time to soften up and integrate further. Drink till 2030. Only 80 cases produced and $85.00. — 7 years ago
Avery Plank
Napa style Cab Franc - dark, inky with a lot of black fruit. A great wine, just don’t expect a Loire style wine. — 2 years ago