- VineLines Dispatch captures late scramble amid early freeze
- L’Ecole No. 41 recruits Marcus Rafanelli to take over as winemaker
- VinesLines Dispatch swings along Columbia River, Walla Walla Valley
- Alexandria Nicole Cellars uses white Rhône blend to lead Great Northwest Invite
- VineLines Dispatch coverage of 2019 vintage continues
- VineLine Dispatches from Harvest 2019
- ‘Slow and steady harvest’ forecast for Northwest grapes in 2019
- VineLines Dispatch: Northwest wineries fill lists of USA Today readers
- Koenig wins Idaho Wine Competition for new owners
- Bledsoe Family Winery set to open tasting room in Oregon
Merlot retains star power in Washington wine country
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