Long Shadows Vintners

Washington

Pedestal Merlot

Columbia Valley

$65 USD

Release Price

Drink Window

14.9%

ABV

3.98

pH

5.8

TA

RS

Nose

The 2014 Pedestal is a deeply concentrated wine with wonderfully intense aromas of dark cherry, violet and marionberry.

Palate

A core of ripe blackberry flavors are framed by notes of oak spice, roasted coffee beans and bittersweet chocolate that leave a bold impression on the finish.

Growing Conditions

A blend of equal parts Merlot from three distinct vineyards: Conner Lee Vineyard brings dark cherry flavors; Dionysus Vineyard adds to the wine’s elegant mouthfeel and deep color; The Benches Vineyard Merlot contributes refined texture. Red Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon from Taptiel Vineyard gives the wine its richness and structure. Weinbau Cabernet Franc provides an added layer of complexity and character.

Harvest

Spring arrived early in 2014, warm and dry, setting the stage for another hot summer. Temperatures were consistently warm throughout June and July without any notable heat spikes. Then in September, a pattern of warm fall days and cool autumn nights took hold, allowing grapes to reach full physiological maturity while preserving the fruits’ natural acidity. In short, 2014 was a picture-perfect vintage that produced remarkably rich, flavorful wines.

Winemaking

Hand-harvested grapes were double-sorted before fermentation to remove any stems or jacks that might impart harsh tannins, then the majority of the lots were cold soaked to build richness and flavor before undergoing whole-berry fermentation in 1,500 gallon upright French wood tanks. This, combined with gentle pump-overs throughout fermentation, enhanced the wine’s color and helped to provide richness on the palate.

Aging

The finished wine was aged 22 months in French oak barrels, 85% new.

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