2004 Pedestal Merlot
Pedestal is another powerhouse wine from the Long Shadows Vintners project, the collaborative effort between Chateau Ste-Michelle’s former CEO Allen Shoup, on-site winemaker Gilles Nicault, and world-renowned winemakers.  This is the second collaboration with famed consulting winemaker Michel Rolland from Pomerol.  Due to the harsh freeze of January 2004 in Walla Walla, production was limited to just over 1600 cases.  The blend is 77% Merlot (from Alder Ridge, Weinbau and Wallula vineyards), 16% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Cabernet Franc, and 2% Petit Verdot.  The wine was aged in French oak for 23 months, and Rolland personally chose the coopers to create the barrels.   Once again, the Pedestal is one of the most full bodied of the Long Shadows wines, featuring ripe tannins, intense baking spice aromas and a rich, long finish.   It costs $55.00, and should age for at least five years and perhaps quite a bit longer.  We’ve put all we could get into this club.