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Merlot retains star power in Washington wine country

By on March 5, 2018

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%

Winery website

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About Great Northwest Wine

Articles authored by Great Northwest Wine are co-authored by Eric Degerman and Andy Perdue. In most cases, these are wine reviews that are judged blind by the Great Northwest Wine tasting panel.

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