As we carry on through this glorious Washington Wine Month, I wanted to introduce you to one of the stars of our 3rd Annual Critic’s Choice of Washington Event — Long Shadows Vintners. Long Shadows has made their name by crafting outstanding red wines with a superstar cast of winemaking talent that spans the globe. I have tasted at Long Shadows for well over a decade and year in, year out, they are one of the most consistently good producers of Washington red wine. Their wines age marvelously as well. Over the past year I have had a chance to try a few absolutely epic bottles of their ‘Pedestal’ Merlot, made by famed enologist Michel Rolland. The 2006 and 2007 ‘Pedestal’ Merlot wines are still going strong.
Yesterday I reviewed the new Long Shadows releases for review and they were simply magical. The 2017 Long Shadows ‘Saggi’ Red Wine (WWB, 94) has incredible earthy character and beautiful range. This is a truly one of a kind wine that rivals any new world Sangiovese. I adored the new 2017 Long Shadows ‘Feather’ Cabernet Sauvignon (WWB, 95) which is remarkable in its youth but will provide drinking enjoyment for decades to come. This is truly thrilling Washington Cabernet with its wonderful sense of place and elegance, alongside a dense core of dark fruits. Learn more about this amazing winery at http://www.longshadows.com/ Here are the amazing new release wines from Long Shadows.
2017 Long Shadows ‘Saggi’ Red Wine- The 2017 ‘Saggi’ by Long Shadows is a thrilling follow up to the gorgeous 2016 bottling. A blend of mainly Sangiovese (59%) with smaller portions Cabernet Sauvignon (24%) and Syrah (17%), the ‘Saggi’ is truly a one of a kind wine made by the talented Giles Nicault. Needing a one hour decant to be fully aroused, the ‘Saggi’ shows lovely smoky tones that meld with red cherry preserves, leather and underbrush aromatics that all build in the glass. The palate is silky and soft, with a bright sense of minerality and wonderful texture. You are greeted to a rich core of red fruits that dance with citrus rind accents, milk chocolate and damp stone tones on the palate. Showing wonderful length and elegance, the 2017 ‘Saggi’ is wonderful to enjoy in its youth and will provide drinking enjoyment over the next ten to fifteen years. Drink 2020-2033- 94
2017 Long Shadows ‘Feather’ Cabernet Sauvignon- Made by superstar winemaker, Randy Dunn, of Dunn Vineyards, the 2017 ‘Feather’ by Long Shadows is a masterful effort from this exciting warmer vintage in Washington. Once on the nose there is a lovely round core of toasty oak that wraps around the rich dark fruits, sagebrush and chocolate fudge aromatics that all meld in the glass. The palate is silky smooth, revealing a round and generous mouthfeel. The seamless effect created mid-palate is utterly fantastic. Black currants and blackberry cordial dance with shades of Black Forest Cake and espresso bean on this highly complex palate. This finishes long with dark fruits and a beam of minerality. While enticing to savor now, the 2017 ‘Feather’ will have a long life ahead of it. If enjoying in its youth, be sure to afford a two hour decant prior to enjoying. Drink 2021-2040- 95