One of the great wineries in Washington State, Long Shadows is the brainchild of the talented Allen Shoup, former CEO of Chateau Ste. Michelle. After his illustrious career at Ste. Michelle, Allen decided to create a wine lineup utilizing superstar winemakers across the globe. His idea has been a resounding success as these wines have reached both national and international acclaim. I have been really impressed with the consistency of these wines over the years. Their head winemaker, Giles Nicault, presides of these wines and is a hugely talented guy.
Giles has crafted one of the great Riesling wines in the state with his 2017 Long Shadows ‘Poet’s Leap’ Riesling (WWB, 93) which has an intense sense of minerality and wonderful bright orchard fruits. Even better was the 2016 Long Shadows ‘Saggi’ Red Wine (WWB, 95) which might just be the best ‘Saggi’ bottling I have ever had. This wine has incredible range and viscosity which is a downright thrill to savor in the glass and shows off the heat of this vintage with tremendous depth and richness. Learn more about this amazing winery at http://www.longshadows.com/ Here are the amazing new release wines from Long Shadows.
2017 Long Shadows ‘Poet’s Leap’ Riesling- The 2017 ‘Poet’s Leap’ Riesling shows once again why this wine is truly one of the premier Riesling bottling in North America. This opens with beautiful orange blossom and melon with wet stone character on the nose. The palate is full of freshness., yielding a beautiful sense of minerality. Even more impressive is the near minute long finish. Beautiful in its youth, this will cellar well over the next seven to ten years. Drink 2019-2027- 93
2018 Long Shadows ‘Julia’s Dazzle’ Rose- The 2018 ‘Julia’s Dazzle’ is another outstanding release by superstar winemaker Giles Nicault. Made entirely from Pinot Gris grapes, this shows an amazing range of aromas from white peach to white rose petals to cran-cherry and lighter citrus tones that round out the nose. Lithe, and light on its feet, this shows off an incredible, silky texture that entices. Cran-cherry, bright strawberry and guava flavors connect with the great sense of minerality. Like most releases of this wine, it expresses a beautiful combination of weight and tension. Enjoyable now, this will continue to cellar over the next five years. Drink 2019-2024- 92
2016 Long Shadows ‘Saggi’ Red Wine- The 2016 Long Shadows ‘Saggi’ is the best bottling of this storied wine that I have tried since they began producing this wine more than a decade ago. The ‘Saggi’ is a thrilling blend of Sangiovese (Boushey and Candy Mountain Vineyards) with 29% Cabernet Sauvignon (Weinbau Vineyard) and the remainder Syrah (Den Hoed Dutchman and Bacchus Vineyards). The nose is drop-dead gorgeous with bacon fat, black olive tapenade, mocha and fennel. The stunning range of aromas bring you back to the glass for more. Revealing a silky texture and a wonderfully ripe mouthfeel, the ‘Saggi’ slowly unveils smoked pork shoulder, black tea, milk chocolate covered cherry and roasted fig flavors. Decadent, layered and downright delicious, this beautiful wine will enjoy an exceedingly long life in the cellar. The If enjoying in its youth be sure to give this a two hour decant. Drink 2019-2033- 95
2016 Long Shadows ‘Feather’ Cabernet Sauvignon- Released in November 2018, this 100% Cabernet Sauvignon wine was sourced from the Summit View in the Walla Walla Valley as well as Dionysus, Weinbau and Den Hoed Benches Vineyards. Made by superstar winemaker, Randy Dunn, of Dunn Vineyards fame, this reveals dense core, as the ‘Feather’ leads with an inviting nose of creme de cassis, Turkish coffee, red bell pepper, with hints of white pepper and sagebrush. The palate unveils a silky texture and a beautiful mouthfeel. Decadent black tea, blueberry compote, mocha, anise and sagebrush flavors all impress. The gorgeous bright acidity adds to the enjoyment here. Balanced and rich, this stunning wine will cellar well for the next two decades. While it is delicious now, try to resist this for at least two more years. Drink 2020-2040- 95
2016 Long Shadows ‘Sequel’ Syrah-The 2016 ‘Sequel’ is a sensational new release made by the talented John Duval. Sourced from the Boushey and Den Hoed Grandview Vineyards we well as the Bacchus, The Benches and Dionysus vineyards. Blended with just a touch of Cabernet Sauvignon (7%) this shows off tar, mocha, anise and sandalwood aromatics that all mingle in the glass. The palate shows wonderful viscosity and mid-palate weight, displaying blackberry cobbler, creosote, leather and earthy undertones that build on on the mouth. Outstanding in its youth, this beautiful effort will cellar well for a decade or more. Drink 2019-2029- 93
2015 Côte Nicault Red Wine- The Cote Nicault Red Wine is a proprietary blend of Mourvedre, Grenache and Syrah (near equal parts) by superstar winemaker Showing off its inky core, the Côte Nicault red wine begins with blood orange zest with bright red fruits with shades of white pepper on the nose. The silky texture entices as the wine sheds blood orange, red cherry candy and red currant jelly flavors alongside copious minerals. This is seriously good, as the savory aspect to the wine really shines. While a delight to savor now, this will evolve well for another decade. Drink 2019-2029- 94