Randy Dunn’s acclaimed work with Cabernet Sauvignon in Napa Valley with Caymus and then his own brand prompted Allen Shoup to recruit him for the Long Shadows Vintners project in 2002, and Feather remains the lone wine he produces outside of California. Three vineyards within a 90-minute drive of Shoup’s winery are invovled, The Benches in the Horse Heaven Hills, Dionysus at Sagemoor Farms and Pepper Bridge in the Walla Walla Valley. The 22 months in 90% new Vicard barrels impart the toastiness behind the aromas Marionberry, plums and blueberry, yet there’s still space of dried herbs to filter out. In Dunn fashion, this is a bold drink with massive fruit, ageworthy tannins and vibrant acidity that gathers in notes of elderberry, plum skin, pomegranate and eucalyptus, all backed by cranberry/rhubarb acidity. The 2015 vintage is set for release, but look for the 2014 bottling at many of the top steakhouses around the country.
Rating: Excellent
Production: 2,450 cases
Alcohol: 14.7%
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