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Pedestal 2014 Merlot, Columbia Valley, $65

By on September 5, 2017

Pomerol’s globetrotting vintner, Michel Rolland, released his 12th version of a Merlot-based blend for Long Shadows Vintners in Walla Walla. Both the Merlot (81%) and Cabernet Sauvignon (15%) were increased from the stellar 2013 vintage, and the Merlot made its way from four corners of the Columbia Valley — Conner Lee, Candy Mountain, Dionysus and Weinbau vineyards. Larry Pearson’s 30-year-old Tapteil Vineyard on Red Mountain contributed all the Cab. A program of 22 months in 85% new French oak leads to aromas of dusty plum, Chukar Cherry, lavender and leather. Those ripe dark purple fruit tones return to the palate with a great approach that picks up fine-grained tannins, Marionberry acidity and a finish of espresso. Rolland and director of winemaking Gilles Nicault bumped up production by four barrels.

Rating: Outstanding!

Production: 2,365 cases

Alcohol: 14.9%

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Articles credited to Great Northwest Wine are authored by Eric Degerman and other contributors. In most cases, these are wine reviews that are judged blind by the Great Northwest Wine tasting panel.

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