2013 Long Shadows Pedestal Merlot
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Tasting notes
(15.2% alcohol, with a pH of 3.84; made by Michel Rolland, who vinifies this wine in an upright 55-hectoliter wood fermenter): Dark, bright ruby-red. Slightly liqueur-like aromas of raspberry, blackberry, black cherry and violet. Plush, densely packed and very pliant, offering just enough shape to its creamy flavors of dark plum, blackberry and spices. Really superb fruit here. Finishes with substantial broad tannins, which Nicault noted come largely from the Tapteil Cabernet Sauvignon. He also told me that Rolland rarely adds any Malbec to this blend, as the fruit here is "not of Argentinian quality."
Critic scores
Average Score
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
Jeb Dunnuck, Wine Advocate
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One of my favorites in the 2013 lineup is the 2013 Pedestal Merlot. Made by Michel Rolland and blended with 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Petit Verdot and smaller parts Malbec and Cabernet Franc, aged 22 months in 85% new French oak, its deep purple color is followed by fabulous notes of plums, coffee beans, spice box and sweet oak in a full-bodied, decadent, ripe and expansive package. In general, Cabernet was more successful than Merlot in 2013, but you wouldn’t know it by tasting this beauty. Drink it anytime over the coming decade.