2006 Long Shadows Pedestal Merlot

Dark cherry and blackberry aromas compliment an appealing hint of toasty oak in this dense, deeply concentrated Merlot. Rich at entry, with added intensity on the mid-palate, the finish provides a lingering impression of layered black fruit.

Vintage:

Ideal growing conditions in 2005 produced expressive, lush wines, and the 2005 Pedestal, a bold, deeply concentrated Merlot with ripe tannins, reflects the quality of the vintage. Temperatures were warm throughout July and August building sugars in the grapes, and then as if made to order, the vintage slipped into an ideal ripening pattern. Vines carrying a moderate crop load enjoyed warm daytime and cool nighttime temperatures throughout September and October, ripening the grapes slowly and evenly, resulting in a classic Columbia Valley vintage.

Winemaking:

Hand harvested grapes were gently de-stemmed and fermented to avoid harsh tannins and preserve fruit character, then moved to French oak barrels for 22 months. Rolland carefully selected the coopers calling for Merlot to age in Sylvain barrels for elegance and to help polish the mid-palate; Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc rested in Taransaud and Saury barrels to stand-up to the wines tannins and impart density and richness. During blending, Rolland paid special attention to the mouth feel of the wine with the intent of crafting a wine with great depth and suppleness.

Vineyards

Blend: Alcohol:

14.7

pH: 3.77

13% Cabernet Sauvignon

TA: .52

7% Cabernet Franc

Release date: February 2008

1,512 cases