- Tinte Cellars donation drive for Ukraine enters final week
- Jackson Family Wines invests in Walla Walla vines, wines
- 2022 Idaho Winery of the Year: Holesinsky Vineyard and Winery
- 2022 Idaho Winery to Watch: Rivaura Vineyards and Winery
- 2022 Washington Winery of the Year: Westport Winery Garden Resort
- 2022 Washington Winery to Watch: Liberty Lake Wine Cellars
- 2022 Oregon Winery of the Year: Chris James Cellars
- Long path of Andrew Riechers leads to early acclaim for Audeant Wines
- The Wine Knows: Upchurch hits sweet spot with Cab on Red Mountain
- Northwest Merlot remains memorable in talented hands
Pedestal 2014 Merlot, Columbia Valley, $65
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%
0 comments