I must admit that visiting the Long Shadows Woodinville tasting room is a fantastic wine ritual. Quality has never been a problem at Long Shadows, but the new release wines seem to be even more impressive than the absolutely awesome 2012 releases. Needless to say I was absolutely blown away with these new outstanding new release wines.
Try to find the 2013 Long Shadows ‘Feather’ Cabernet (WWB, 96) wherever you can. This wine is sold out but it is also the best edition of the ‘Feather’ that I have sampled in the past ten years. This deep, unctuous and impossible to resist Cabernet is up there with the best in the state. Also check out the stunning 2013 Long Shadows ‘Pedestal’ Merlot (WWB, 95) which shows incredible richness and complexity that rivals the best ‘Pedestal’ wines I have sampled. Learn more about this amazing winery at http://www.longshadows.com/ Here are the amazing new release wines from Long Shadows.
2015 Long Shadows ‘Poet's Leap’ Riesling- The wine was sourced from the Sagemoor, Underwood Mountain and Phil Church vineyard, as well as Horse Heaven Hills vineyards. Head winemaker Armin Diel has crafted a brilliant new release wine here. The wine begins with a bouquet of apricot, poached pear, cut grass and cantaloupe. The wine yields bright flavors of white peach, Pazzaz apple, honeydew melon and hints of lemongrass. This is absolutely refreshing and gorgeous as this wine has a bright structure despite the heat of the vintage. The 2015 Poet’s Leap is showcasing why this is possibly the best Kabinett Riesling in the state. Drink 2016-2026- 93
2014 Long Shadows 'Saggi' Red Wine- Following up the highly impressive 2013 'Saggi' bottling, this 2014 edition is packed with dense aromatics and flavors. Head winemakers Ambrogio and Giovanni Folonari from the famed Folonari house in Tuscany, head this project. The red wine was sourced from Candy Mountain and Bouchey vineyard Sangiovese as well as Stone Tree Vineyard Cabernet, as this is a blend of 52% Sangiovese, 32% Cabernet Sauvignon and 16% Syrah. This wine begins with aromatics of red cherry, anise, spicebox and hints of red raspberry and dried thyme. There are bright flavors of smoked pork shoulder, red cherry, coffee grounds and hints of white pepper. There are rich flavors of red cherry, red raspberry, wild blackberry pie and hints of sagebrush. The finish lingers in this one of a kind Washington red blend. While this is absolutely stunning right out of the bottle, this will also cellar well into the next decade. Drink 2016-2027- 93
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2013 Long Shadows ‘Feather’ Cabernet Sauvignon- Randy Dunn crafts this 100% Cabernet wine. This is his best effort in 10 years of trying this wine. The Cabernet begins with aromas of red bell pepper, red raspberry and red cherry. Absolutely amazing richness and depth with mouthwatering acidity. Layered flavors of anise, creme de cassis, red bell pepper and a long and persistent finish. The tannins are evident but are not overwhelming at this juncture. Absolutely decadent, as this will be a very long ager. Don't drink this gorgeous wine for at least another year. Drink 2017-2030- 96
2013 Long Shadows ‘Pedestal’ Merlot- Michel Rolland, Pomerol vintner and consultant to many of the world's top wineries, produces this fantastic Merlot wine. The blending is comprised of 75% Merlot with 10% Cabernet, 9% Petit Verdot, 3% Cabernet Franc and 3% Malbec. This is the smallest portion of Merlot used for the wine, other than in the 2003 inaugural vintage. The Merlot has aromas of black cherry, black olive and anise. There are rich and dense flavors of Turkish coffee, anise, black cherry and graphite. Absolutely intense and outstanding effort, with an herbaceous character. An absolutely stunning effort. Drink 2017-2030- 95
2013 Long Shadows ‘Pirouette’ Red Wine- Long Shadows partners with Agustin Huneeus, Sr. and Philippe Melka to craft Pirouette. The wine is a blend of 63% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, 12% Petit Verdot, and 5% Cabernet Franc. This powerful Bordeaux style blend was aged 22 months in 70 percent new French oak.This blend begins with aromas of anise, smoke, spicebox and black cherry. Flavors of blackberry, anise, black cherry and vanilla persist. There is an incredible seamless texture to this wine. The blend has moderate tannins and nice grip on the palate. This is another stunner from these guys. Drink 2016-2030- 94
2013 Long Shadows 'Chester-Kidder' Red Wine-This inky colored wine is a blend of 58% Cabernet, 34% Syrah, 5% Petit Verdot and 3% Cabernet Franc and weighs in at 15.2% alcohol. The wine begins with a bouquet of cedar, mocha, black cherry, black pepper and hints of blackberry cobbler. There are dense flavors reminiscent of black cherry, anise, creme de cassis and mocha with suggestions of graphite. This is dense and gorgeous wine that has a plush texture. Drink 2016-2030- 94
2014 Long Shadows 'Sequel' Syrah- This amazing wine was done by John Duval, the eminent Aussie winemaker. The wine opens with aromatics of smoked brisket, white pepper, black olive and hints of mocha and blackberry jam. There are dense flavors of black cherry, mocha, anise, creme de cassis and blackberry cobbler. This is intense, extracted and maintains nice balance as this is up there with the best Sequel wines I've tried in the past ten years. Drink 2016-2027- 95
2014 Nine Hats Malbec- This wine was primarily sourced from The Benches Vineyard. The wine opens with aromas of blueberry, black cherry, black olive and hints of dark chocolate. There are flavors of black cherry, mocha, coffee grounds and black olive. This has a plush mouthfeel and texture. Drink 2016-2022- 91
2014 Nine Hats Syrah- This wine opens with aromas of smoked meats, dried sage, anise and hints of black olive. There are flavors of black cherry, black olive, smoked meats and blackberry cobbler. This is forward and delicious. Drink 2016-2022- 90
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