2004 Saggi
Vintage: 2004
Producer/Winery: Long Shadows Vintners Collection
Wine: Saggi
Country: USA
Region: Washington
Appellation: Columbia Valley
Varietal Composition: 35% Sangiovese, 35% Cabernet Sauvignon, 16% Syrah & 14% Barbera
Aging: 18 Months French Oak
Climate: Continental
Alcohol: 14.5 %
Winemaker: Ambrogio and Giovanni Folonari with Allen Shoup
Bottle Value: +/- $60 USD
Production: 633 Cases
Where: Walla Walla When: October 5, 2009 With whom: Myself
Perspective: The first thing that came to mind was the essence of Brunello di Montalcino. Toasted walnuts, red and black cherry, toffee, red liquorice, and spicy wood and mineral notes. Elegant, refined and very pleasant to drink. I have yet to exercise the patience to hold a wine from Long Shadows. After three hours of being open the wine was showing great. I have been tasting more and more wines from Long Shadows I am now learning that they need time in the bottle and even more time to breathe before they showcase their potential. Patience is the key to enjoying these wines. Keep in mind that all these winemakers are known for age worthy wines, understanding that may very well be the key to appreciating their counterparts in Washington. If you like Super Tuscan style wines this wine will appeal to you, Drink now or let it sit for another 3-5 years.
Systematic Approach
Appearance: Clear clarity. Opaque ruby core, deep ruby rim. No sediments or deposits detected.
Nose: Clean. Pronounced aromas of vanilla bean, wet clove and cinnamon, roasted game, with developing scents of black cherry and smoked cedar.
Palate: Dry. Medium plus acidity, tannin alcohol and body. Medium plus flavors of new oak, blackberry, black cherry, dried bramble, red cherry and pomegranate finely integrated into creamy toasted oak notes and pencil lead shavings. Texture – fine grained tannins, supple viscosity. Balance – Drying, refreshing acidity, well-integrated tannins, and generous alcohol, soft yet well defined fruit. Medium plus length.
Conclusion: Very good quality for balance and complexity. Ready to drink but can age for another 3-5 years.
2006 Pepper Bridge Cabernet Sauvignon
Vintage: 2006
Producer/Winery:
Wine: Cabernet Sauvignon
Country: USA
Region: Washington
Appellation: Walla Walla Valley
Varietal Composition: 87% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Merlot, 2% Malbec, 2% Cabernet Franc, 1% Petit Verdot
Aging: 21 months 100% French oak; 55% new oak, 45% used oak
Climate: Continental
Alcohol: 14.1 %
Winemaker: Jean-François Pellet
Bottle Value: $55 USD
Production: 2,374 cases
Where: Pepper Bridge Tasting Room When: October 21, 2009 With whom: Lacey & Andy
Perspective: Tasting both the 2006 and the 2005 Cabernets gave me a great glimpse of how well these wines can age. Just an infant, the 2006 has many of the same components of the 2005 but in a more concentrated form. The only discernable difference was that the acid structure in the 2005 was higher than the 2006. Toasty barrique and creamy black fruits on the nose. Sweet black cherry, black currant, leather, chocolate and minerals on the palate. The 2006 seemed to be a warmer vintage based on the flavor profile. Nevertheless a full-bodied French style Cabernet that will age well over the next 5-8 years, possibly longer but I would need to taste older vintages to conclude this.
Systematic Approach
Appearance: Clear clarity. Opaque ruby core, deep ruby rim. No sediment detected.
Nose: Clean. Pronounced and youthful aromas of red and black currant, black cherry, pebbles and graphite.
Palate: Dry. Medium acidity. Medium high fine-grained tannins. Full bodied, pronounced flavors of blackberry, black cherry, currants, leather, dried mushroom, chocolate and earthy minerals. Texture: Fine-grained tannins, mouth coating viscosity. Balance: Drying with lively acidity and robust tannins. High alcohol and well-defined fruit. Medium plus length.
Conclusion: Very good quality for concentration, balance and length. Drink now and over the next 5 to 8 years.
2005 Pepper Bridge Cabernet Sauvignon
Vintage: 2005
Producer/Winery: Pepper Bridge
Wine: Cabernet Sauvignon
Country: USA
Region: Washington
Appellation: Walla Walla Valley
Varietal Composition: 88% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Merlot, 3% Malbec, 1% Petit Verdot
Aging: 22 months 56% new oak, 44% used oak; 100% French oak
Climate: Continental
Alcohol: 13.9 %
Winemaker: Jean-François Pellet
Bottle Value: $55 USD
Production: 2,465 cases
Where: Pepper Bridge Tasting Room When: October 21, 2009 With whom: Lacey & Andy
Perspective: The 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon is a great representation of the quality of Walla Walla fruit and its ability to produce wines in an old world style. Firm aromas of black currant, forest floor, toasted barrel and lead pencil. Rich and velvety black cherry, blackberry, and currants flavors, with earthy mineral and hints of damp leaves. Great acidity and balance. Drink now or over the next 5 years.
Systematic Approach
Appearance: Clear clarity. Deep ruby core, pale ruby rim. No sediment detected.
Nose: Clean. Medium plus developing aromas of creamy toasted oak, underbrush, graphite and black currant
Palate: Dry. Medium plus acidity, tannin, alcohol and body. Medium plus intense flavors of black cherry, blackberry, black currant, vanilla, and sweet spices. Texture: Fine-grained tannins, and fleshy viscosity. Balance: Drying, refreshing acidity, well-integrated tannins, generous alcohol and well defined fruit. Medium plus length.
Conclusion: Very good quality for balance, concentration and length. Ready to drink but can age another 5 years.