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Long Shadows Vintners, founded by celebrated winemaker Allen Shoup, is a unique project in Washington's Columbia Valley. It brings together internationally renowned winemakers, each crafting a single wine focused on a specific grape variety. The 2013 "Pedestal" Merlot, the vision of Michel Rolland, is a testament to both the variety's potential in Washington and Rolland's skillful expertise.

Michel Rolland: The Bordeaux Influence

Michel Rolland is a legendary figure in the wine world, known for his work with top Bordeaux chateaux and consulting for wineries globally. His style often emphasizes ripe, concentrated fruit flavours and polished textures.

The Pedestal Project

The "Pedestal" bottling focuses exclusively on Merlot, often sourced from some of Columbia Valley's most prestigious vineyards. Rolland's winemaking aims to create a Merlot with both Washington typicity and a sense of Bordeaux-inspired elegance and power.

The 2013 Vintage: A Mixed Bag

The 2013 vintage in Columbia Valley was generally cooler than typical, making it a challenging year for Merlot in some sites. However, careful vineyard selection and skilled winemaking can still yield exceptional results.

Tasting Notes (Based on Collector Notes)

• Appearance: Deep ruby red with potential for a fading brick rim.

• Aroma: Expect a mix of dark plums, black cherry, baking spices, tobacco leaf, and subtle earthy notes.

• Palate: Full-bodied with ripe dark fruit flavors complemented by notes of vanilla, mocha, and spice. Polished tannins provide structure and a lingering finish.

• Finish: Long and smooth, with a mix of lingering dark fruit and savoury spice.

Food Pairings

The 2013 Long Shadows "Pedestal" Merlot demands rich, flavorful dishes:

• Prime Rib: The wine's structure stands up to the richness of the meat.

• Beef Short Ribs: Complements fall-off-the-bone tenderness and savoury sauces.

• Dishes with Truffles: The wine mirrors the earthy complexity of truffle-infused dishes.

Ageing Potential

While approachable now, the 2013 "Pedestal" still has the potential to age further for several years. The tannins will continue to soften, and additional complexity will emerge.

Where to Find It

The 2013 vintage might be challenging to find, but here's where to look:

• Online Wine Auctions: Platforms specializing in older vintages.

• Fine Wine Retailers: Specialty wine shops might carry a bottle or two.

• Direct from the Winery: Long Shadows holds an extensive library collection – inquire directly.

Long Shadows Today

Long Shadows remains a showcase of Washington's winemaking prowess. Explore their current release, Pedestal, to get an excellent idea of Rolland's winemaking approach and Merlot's potential in Washington.