Long Shadows Winery Pedestal Merlot 2019, Columbia Valley, Washington

2019 vintage – 75% Merlot, 21% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Malbec. An opulent wine with a core of dark cherry aromas and ripe blackberry flavors framed by notes of bittersweet chocolate and a pleasant hint of graphite. Seamless and well-textured with a lush mouthfeel from entry to mid-palate that carries across a lengthy finish. Vineyards: The 2019 Pedestal Merlot was predominately grown at Weinbau Vineyard on the Wahluke Slope, a warm area of the Columbia Valley that produces Merlot with layers of fresh, dark fruit and beautiful aromatics. Red Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon gives the wine its structure. A small amount of Malbec from Sonnet Vineyard in the Horse Heaven Hills contributes concentration and subtle violet aromatics. Winemaking: Hand-harvested grapes were double-sorted before fermentation to remove green materials that might impart harsh tannins. Afterwards, lots were cold soaked to build richness and flavor, then underwent whole-berry fermentation in 1,500-gallon upright French oak tanks. Gentle pump-overs throughout fermentation, enhanced the wine’s color and added richness on the palate. Aged 22 months in all French oak barrels, 85% new.