2006 Pedestal Merlot

Vintage: 2006

Producer/Winery: Long Shadows Vintners Collection

Wine: Pedestal Merlot

Country: USA

Region: Washington

Appellation: Columbia Valley

Varietal Composition: 86% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Petit Verdot and 2% Malbec.

Aging: 22 Months, 100 % French oak, 85% new.

Climate: Continental

Alcohol: 14.7 %

Winemaker: Michel Rolland

Production: 1877 cases

Bottle Value: $60 USD

Where: Vintage, Walla Walla When: January 3, 2010         With whom: Greg, Peter, Dustin and Joel

Perspective: I’d compare this wine to a pseudo hot celebrity that I wouldn’t kick out bed but after an hour or so I would get a little bored with.  It’s definitely a good wine, but I wish it had more complexity and layers. Full delivery on extraction and body.  Balanced flavors of toasty barrel, black cherries, plum and dark chocolate with a smooth supple finish.

Systematic Approach

Appearance: Clear clarity. Deep garnet core and rim.  No sediment or deposits.

Nose: Clean. Medium (+) youthful aromas of toasty oak and black cherry.

Palate: Dry. Medium acidity. Medium (+) soft/ripe tannins.  Medium (+) alcohol.  Medium (+) body.  Medium (+) intense flavors of black cherry, vanillin, dark chocolate and plum.  Balance – Dry.  Flabby acidity, supple tannins, generous alcohol and fruit driven. Texture – velvety tannins and fleshy viscosity.  Overall Impression – overripe ripeness, expressive freshness and mellow. Medium length.

Conclusion: Good quality for concentration. Drink now or hold for the next 3 years.

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