Long Shadows Pedestal Merlot 2021

Long Shadows Pedestal Merlot 2021 is a Columbia Valley, Washington State red wine in a standard 750ml bottle, blending 80% Merlot with 11% Cabernet Sauvignon and 9% Petit Verdot. It carries an aggregated critic score of 92 points on Wine-Searcher, underscoring its standing as one of the Pacific Northwest's most serious Merlot bottlings.

Quick Facts: ABV: 14.5%  |  Origin: Columbia Valley, Washington State  |  Vintage: 2021  |  Producer: Long Shadows Vintners, Walla Walla

Production & Heritage

Long Shadows Vintners operates out of Walla Walla, Washington, built on a model that pairs internationally renowned winemakers with premium Columbia Valley fruit. Pedestal is the result of a direct collaboration between Bordeaux consulting winemaker Michel Rolland—one of the most influential figures in modern winemaking—and Long Shadows' Director of Winemaking, Gilles Nicault. The 2021 vintage spent 22 months maturing in 75% new French oak barrels, lending structure and spice complexity to the finished blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Petit Verdot.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Dense blackcurrant and blueberry fruit lead, followed by layers of mint chocolate, violet, and allspice. Deeper in the glass, roasted cacao nibs, bay leaf, and wild thyme emerge as the wine opens.

Taste: Full-bodied and lush on entry, with concentrated black cherry and dark stone fruit coating the palate. The mid-palate reveals espresso crema, sage, and dark chocolate, supported by fresh acidity that keeps the wine from feeling heavy. A web of fine-grained tannins provides firm structure without overwhelming the fruit.

Finish: Outstanding length and concentration define the close, with lingering notes of anise, cedar, and crushed ashen stones. The tannins grip gently as savory herb and cocoa impressions slowly fade.

How to Drink Pedestal Merlot

This wine rewards patient sipping. Decant for 30 to 60 minutes before serving at cellar temperature (60–65°F) to allow the dense aromatics and layered tannins to fully express themselves. It can also be enjoyed slightly chilled on warmer evenings. For cocktail-adjacent serves, consider these wine-forward options:

• Kalimotxo: A bold, unconventional pairing—equal parts red wine and cola over ice—where Pedestal's dark fruit intensity holds its own against the sweetness.
• Red Wine Sangria: The blueberry and blackcurrant core amplifies seasonal fruit additions without losing its identity.
• Mulled Wine: The existing spice profile of allspice and cinnamon-adjacent oak means less doctoring is needed, and the wine's body carries warmth beautifully.

Best For

• Gifting a Merlot enthusiast who appreciates Bordeaux-style winemaking from Washington State
• Anchoring a comparative tasting of premium New World Merlots against Bordeaux Right Bank selections
• Pairing with a special holiday roast or multi-course dinner
• Cellaring for medium-term aging, given the structured tannins and concentrated fruit of the 2021 vintage

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Pedestal Merlot taste like? Pedestal Merlot 2021 delivers full-bodied dark cherry, blueberry, and dark chocolate flavors layered with sage, espresso, and anise. Firm, fine-grained tannins provide structure, while fresh acidity keeps the palate balanced through a long, concentrated finish.

How does Pedestal Merlot compare to Duckhorn Napa Valley Merlot? Duckhorn Napa Valley Merlot is widely considered the domestic industry standard at a similar price tier, leaning toward plush, fruit-forward approachability. Pedestal takes a more structured, oak-driven approach shaped by Michel Rolland's Bordeaux sensibility and 22 months in predominantly new French oak.

Is Pedestal Merlot good for sipping neat? Absolutely—it is built for contemplative drinking, particularly after decanting. The layered aromatics and extended finish reward slow, attentive tasting at cellar temperature.

Where is Pedestal Merlot made? Pedestal Merlot is produced by Long Shadows Vintners at their facility in Walla Walla, Washington, using fruit sourced from the broader Columbia Valley AVA. The wine is a collaboration between consulting winemaker Michel Rolland and Director of Winemaking Gilles Nicault.

What foods pair well with Pedestal Merlot? Braised short ribs benefit from the wine's tannic grip and dark fruit weight. Roasted lamb with rosemary echoes the herbal undertones of sage and thyme. Aged Gouda or Gruyère complement the cocoa and spice notes. Mushroom risotto mirrors the earthy, savory dimension. Dark chocolate desserts with sea salt align with the wine's cacao and espresso character.

What sizes does Pedestal Merlot come in? The standard release is a 750ml bottle, which is the most widely available format.

Is Pedestal Merlot worth the price? Pedestal positions as a premium Columbia Valley Merlot, priced above everyday selections but justified by the Michel Rolland collaboration, 22 months of aging in predominantly new French oak, and a 92-point aggregated critic score. It competes credibly with top Merlot releases from Napa and Bordeaux at its tier.

Why Pedestal Merlot?

The Michel Rolland connection is not a marketing afterthought—Rolland is an active partner in shaping the wine's style, bringing decades of Right Bank Bordeaux expertise to Washington State fruit. The 2021 vintage's 22-month élevage in 75% new French oak builds a tannic architecture rarely seen in domestic Merlot at this level. With a 92-point aggregated score and tasting notes that reference crushed stone, espresso crema, and autumnal spice, this bottling sits at the intersection of Old World discipline and New World generosity. For drinkers who want proof that American Merlot belongs in serious conversation, Pedestal delivers the argument in the glass.