Long Shadows Pedestal Merlot 2016 (1.5L)

95 JS / 93 VM

A beautiful, layered red with blackberries, violets and chocolate. It’s full-bodied, yet agile and driven. Such balance and harmony. Lovely length. Drinkable now, but better in 2022. James Suckling

Bright ruby-red. Musky aromas of cassis, blackberry, bitter chocolate and cocoa powder; shows some almost liqueur-like ripe notes as well as a menthol hint. Enters the mouth with good density and chocolatey sweetness, with harmonious acidity framing and energizing the dark berry-dominated middle palate. Conveys a sense of controlled sweetness. This very suave, seamless wine boasts lovely definition of flavor, purity and lift, with ripe acidity contributing to the impression of energy. Tannins are fine-grained and suave, and the long finish features captivating rising violet perfume and a repeating note of dark chocolate. Not quite as tightly wound as the '17 was last year, but this splendid example of Washington Merlot is an energetic, seriously structured wine for at least mid-term aging. Stephen Tanzer – Vinous Media