Description
Sadly, two legendary winemakers have just passed away who put Merlot on the map! The iconic, moderniste Michel Rolland who for so many years consulted with over 100 wineries from all over the globe and developed the process of “micro-oxygenation” to refine tannin. And then our own Dan Duckhorn who elevated Merlot to a collectible superstar varietal in Napa Valley and beyond even with the negativity from dreadful movie Sideways. I first met Dan and Margaret Duckhorn back in 1981 when Duckhorn consisted of a shack and two stainless steel tanks at Lodi Lane and Silverado Trail. As a restaurant buyer, I was attempting to secure a rare allocation of the 3 Palms Vineyard Merlot they made so famous. Dan and Margaret were both friends, very fine people and together we hosted winemaker dinners over the years. May they both rest in peace.
I thought it might be appropriate to pay tribute with 2021 Long Shadows Vintner’s Pedestal Merlot that was styled and first developed by Michel Rolland for Washington winery back in the early 2000s. Direct of winemaking Gilles Nicault still follows Michel Rolland’s vision to create a full-bodied, but svelte, richly styled, complex and age worthy Columbia Valley Merlot bolstered by additions of Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot.
96 points Jeb Dunnuck! A blend put together by the incredibly talented Michel Rolland, the 2021 Merlot Pedestal is based on 80% Merlot, 11% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 9% Petit Verdot that spent 22 months in 75% new French oak. Its deep plum/purple hue is followed by a brilliant, full-bodied, unctuous beauty that has loads of darker currant and black cherry fruits, some chocolate and leafy herbs notes, velvety tannins, and a layered mouthfeel that just begs to be drunk. It’s easily one of the finest expressions of Merlot in the state, and it would stand up just fine to some of the top Merlot releases from France and Napa. Drink bottles over the coming 10-15 years. Drink 2024-2039.
95 points “Cellar Selection” Wine Enthusiast! A perfume of violets, blackberries and rose petals is complemented by the wine’s fresh forest scents of cedar and goldenseal. Pedestal is a full-bodied Merlot with a firm tannic structure that will rough up the roof of the mouth. Those tannins also provide ample support for the wine’s palate coating black cherry, anise, and cedar flavors. Drink now–2038.
95 points Vinous! The 2021 Merlot Pedestal is darkly floral and inward, slowly evolving with notes of crushed ashen stones, cocoa and autumnal spice that give way to blackberries and savory herbs. This is elegant on the palate, velvety and creamy yet fresh, with masses of ripe blueberry complicated by sage and dark chocolate. A web of fine-grained tannins flexes upon the palate as the 2021 finishes with outstanding length and concentration, leaving a tart blackberry resonance and hints of sour citrus. Drink 2026-2034.