Long Shadows Winery Pedestal Merlot 2014, Columbia Valley, Washington

2014 vintage – 81% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2% Malbec, 2% Petit Verdot. The 2014 Pedestal is a deeply concentrated wine with wonderfully intense aromas of dark cherry, violet and marionberry. A core of ripe blackberry flavors are framed by notes of oak spice, roasted coffee beans and bittersweet chocolate that leave a bold impression on the finish. Hand-harvested grapes were double-sorted before fermentation to remove any stems or jacks that might impart harsh tannins, then the majority of the lots were cold soaked to build richness and flavor before undergoing whole-berry fermentation in 1,500 gallon upright French wood tanks. This, combined with gentle pump-overs throughout fermentation, enhanced the wine’s color and helped to provide richness on the palate. The finished wine was aged 22 months in French oak barrels, 85% new. Conner Lee Vineyard Merlot, notable for its richness, dominates the blend. Candy Mountain and Weinbau Vineyards contribute structure and texture. Dionysus Vineyard provides deep, dark color, and 15% Red Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon from Tapteil Vineyard gives the wine its backbone.