Pedestal wines

Editors' Choice

Price $55

Michel Rolland consults on this extraordinary Merlot, part of Allen Shoup’s Long Shadows project. Dark, dense, supremely concentrated with a silky, smoky, voluptuous mouthfeel, Pedestal is beautifully ripened, nuanced and complete. Lovely notes of bacon and smoked meats permeate the thick, juicy fruit. Still tight and young, this is a Merlot to savor, and to save. — P.G. (6/1/2006)

93

points

Pedestal 2006 Merlot (Columbia Valley (WA))

Online Exclusive

Price $55

The best Pedestal since the 2003. The focus is immediately apparent, with dark, toasty scents and flavors wrapped into ripe black fruits. The generous (85% new) French oak aging brings in clove, licorice and smoky spice, but the fruit has the muscle and breadth necessary to keep it all harmonious. — P.G. (9/1/2009)

93

points

Pedestal 2009 Merlot (Columbia Valley (WA))

Cellar Selection

Price $55

Michel Rolland’s Long Shadows wine is 83% Merlot, 12% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Cabernet Franc. Bay leaf and pretty herb scents introduce a wine that remains tightly wound. Black cherry and cassis flavors are set in a frame of smoky espresso. The tannins are polished, and the finish is deliciously long. — P.G. (12/31/2012)

92

points

Pedestal 2007 Merlot (Columbia Valley (WA))

Price $55

The ripeness and heat are immediately noticeable in the liquorous nose. Supple and smooth in the mouth, it shows a blend of pretty purple fruits and polished tannins, layered with barrel flavors emphasizing espresso and strong toast. Classic Michel Rolland, inviting and generous. — P.G. (12/31/2010)

91

points

Pedestal 2005 Merlot (Columbia Valley (WA))

Price $55

Consistent with previous releases, this Michel Rolland effort is a soft, silky, smoky wine that introduces itself with round cherry fruit and then charges ahead with layers of licorice, citrus, coffee and rock that enliven the finish. There is plenty of tart raspberry fruit to open, and the balancing acids to give the wine a tight core. It’s a very polished and… — P.G. (12/1/2008)

91

points

Pedestal 2008 Merlot (Columbia Valley (WA))

Online Exclusive

Price $55

A blend of 81% Merlot, 12% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Cabernet Franc and 3% Petit Verdot. An unusually tight Pedestal, this absolutely must be decanted. It opens well, with black fruits, toasted grain, and firm tannins, then hits a wall and stops short. However, with a lot of breathing time and/or aerating, it broadens out a bit and shows more length and finesse. — P.G. (2/1/2012)

91

points

Pedestal 2004 Merlot (Columbia Valley (WA))

Price $55

Michel Rolland consults on this exceptional Merlot. The blend is 77% Merlot, 16% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot. Though not quite as supremely dark, dense and concentrated as the immense ’03, this silky wine is more elegant, with grace notes of licorice, citrus, coffee and plenty of tart strawberry and raspberry fruit. — P.G. (8/1/2007)

Pedestal

Pedestal 2003 Merlot (Columbia Valley (WA))

Pedestal 2006 Merlot (Columbia Valley (WA))

Pedestal 2009 Merlot (Columbia Valley (WA))

Pedestal 2007 Merlot (Columbia Valley (WA))

Pedestal 2005 Merlot (Columbia Valley (WA))

Pedestal 2008 Merlot (Columbia Valley (WA))

Pedestal 2004 Merlot (Columbia Valley (WA))

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