Long Shadows Pedestal Merlot 2017

Description

Get lost in the deep purple, wine lovers. It’s made by Michel Rolland. Here’s some background on him. Rolland also maintains partnership interests in far-flung regions of the globe, including his involvement with Long Shadows Vintners. His home, however, is in Pomerol, where he owns and manages a number of holdings and fine wine estates: Chateau Le Bon Pasteur in Pomerol, Chateau Bertineau Saint-Vincent in Lalande-de-Pomerol, Chateau Rolland-Maillet in Saint-Emilion, and Chateau Fontenil in Fronsac. In addition, Michel manages the Chateau La Grande Clottee in Lussac-Saint-Emilion under a vineyard lease system. In other words, he’s got serious wine game. Jeb Dunnuck: “Beautiful cassis, chocolate, leafy herbs, and earth all emerge from the 2017 Pedestal, a ripe, sexy, opulent wine that does everything right. A blend put together by Michel Rolland and aged 22 months in 86% new French oak, it’s beautiful today yet is going to cruise in cool cellars for 15 years or more. Maturity: 2020-2036.” Apr 2020Robert Parker, Jr.’s Wine Advocate: “2017 Pedestal Merlot has a dense nose with a heavyweight expression and inky character in the glass. Offering blackberry jus, spiced plum preserves and dark cherry skin, the scents are lifted and compounded by rich, elegant oak spices, cigar box and juicy tobacco. Full-bodied, the wine is generously ripe and juicy with tones of graphite and a balanced structure, ending with a long, complex finish. The expression continues to evolve in the mouth after the wine has left the palate, showing elevated alcohol with dark blackberry tones, bitter dark chocolate and pencil shavings. Give it some time in the bottle before opening, or decant for an hour. Drink date: 2021-2032.” Oct 2020James Suckling: “I like the dark fruit with the tar and black-olive undertones here. It’s full-bodied with chewy tannins that are polished and soft. Lots of fruit and tension. Nice, dusty texture, too. 82% merlot, 15% cabernet sauvignon and 3% petit verdot. Drink in 2022.” Apr 2020Bottle 750ml, cork Varietal82% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon and 3% Petit VerdotAlcohol 14.9%Total Acidity0.58g/100mlpH3.98Aging22 months in French oak barrels, 85% new RegionColumbia Valley, Washington