2019 Long Shadows - Pedestal Merlot Columbia Valley (750ml)

Pedestal is the vision of the late Michel Rolland, the celebrated Pomerol vintner and consultant to some of the world's top wineries. Long Shadows Vintners built its concept around bringing an elite roster of internationally celebrated winemakers to Washington State, with each partnering individually alongside founder Allen Shoup and resident winemaker Gilles Nicault to craft a distinct, "best of type" wine under its own label.

This 2019 vintage was predominately grown at Weinbau Vineyard on the Wahluke Slope, a warm section of the Columbia Valley known for producing Merlot with layers of fresh, dark fruit and vivid aromatics. Red Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon lends structure, while a small amount of Malbec from Sonnet Vineyard in the Horse Heaven Hills adds concentration and subtle violet aromatics. The hand-harvested grapes were double-sorted before fermentation to remove any green material that could impart harsh tannins. The final blend is 75% Merlot, 21% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 4% Malbec.

The 2019 season began slowly, with unexpected late-winter snow delaying soil warming and pushing back April budbreak, though warmer May temperatures accelerated bloom and ultimately produced excellent red wines of exceptional quality and consistency. Vinography
The finished wine is opulent, with a core of dark cherry aromas and ripe blackberry flavors framed by bittersweet chocolate and a hint of graphite. It's seamless and well textured, with a lush mouthfeel from entry through mid-palate that carries across a lengthy finish. Full-bodied yet showing the cooler style of the vintage, it carries an elegant, streamlined texture with notes of tobacco leaf, damp earth, and spice, and is built to age gracefully for a decade or more.

Pair with grilled lamb, braised short ribs, or aged hard cheeses.