Gilles Nicault for more than a decade has been crafting some of the finest wines in Washington State He has a knack for making world-class wines in tough vintages. One of the great stories in Washington wine, Long Shadows began by visionary and Washington wine pioneer Allen Shoup. Shoup is a founding father of the Washington wine industry. He spent 20 years building Château Ste. Michelle and its affiliate wineries, serving as the company's CEO for 17 of those years before establishing Long Shadows in 2002. He had an incredible vision for Long Shadows and built a world-class wine brand from the ground up. The Nine Hats brand that he founded is consistently one of the better value lineups that you will find in Pacific Northwest wine. Long Shadows has an epicurean tasting at their Woodinville tasting room that is arguably the finest food pairing for great wine that you will taste at any Pacific Northwest winery (https://longshadows.com/visit-taste). This is such an epic, very Napaesque, tasting experience that is truly one of a kind.
I adored the new 2025 Long Shadows ‘Poet’s Leap’ Riesling (OB, 93) which is one of the great Rieslings made in Washington State. Learn more about these famed wines at longshadows.com and here are my reviews of the beautiful new Long Shadows wines.
2025 Long Shadows ‘Poet’s Leap’ Riesling- The 2025 ‘Poet’s Leap’ Riesling is a gorgeous edition of this wine that has terrific push/pull between weight and stony minerality. Wafts of petrol and wet stone mark the nose alongside ripe peaches. The palate is laden with minerality and texture, with the faintest hint of sweetness. Drink 2026-2033- 93
2022 Long Shadows ‘Saggi’ Red Wine- The 2022 ‘Saggi’ is a one of a kind bottling that is a benchmark Super Tuscan-inspired wine from Washington State. This edition has the highest percentage of Sangovese ever (67%) alongside 19% Cabernet Sauvignon and 14% Syrah. Blue and black florals mark the nose with pipe tobacco, leather, and shades of red licorice. The palate is luxurious and refined in terms of mouthfeel, texture and underlying freshness. A gorgeous, generous bottling despite the relative coolness of the vintage, enjoy now and over the next ten to fifteen years to come. Drink 2026-2041- 95
2022 Long Shadows ‘Pedestal’ Merlot- The 2022 ‘Pedestal’ is a dense and delicious bottling from this slightly cooler vintage. The silky mouthful and refined tannins immediately gratify on the palate. Layers of cocoa powder dusted black cherry, cigar box, anise and Cuban cigar all combine on the palate, with sandalwood notes. A gorgeous and generous bottling that is loaded with texture, tension and flavor density, enjoy this beautiful wine now and over the next fifteen plus years to come. Drink 2026-2041- 96
2022 Long Shadows ‘Pirouette’ Red Wine- The stunning 2022 Long Shadows ‘Pirouette’ is a blend of mainly Cabernet Sauvignon (65%) with30% Merlot, 3% Petit Verdot and 2% Cabernet Franc. Stored for 22 months in nearly all new French oak this shows off black rose petals, green bell pepper and fresh sage on the nose alongside shades of black licorice. The palate is dense and rich with terrific texture, tension and length. A dazzling wine that has a long way to go in the cellar, enjoy over the next fifteen plus years. Drink 2026-2041- 96
2022 Long Shadows ‘Sequel’ Syrah- Very inky in the glass, the 2022 ‘Sequel’ underwent roughly 33% whole cluster fermentation and was stored in a small portion of new French oak barrels before bottling. White pepper dusted beef brisket, Hoisin sauce, and shades of Umami all fill the nose. The palate is seductive with serious left and richness. Chocolate, beef drippings, tar and allspice dust black fruits all seamlessly combine on the mid-palate. A joy to consume, this is drinking marvelously right now. Drink 2026-2041- 96
2022 Long Shadows ‘Chester Kidder’ Red Wine- The 2022 ‘Chester Kidder’ is a full-bodied blend of 66% Cabernet Sauvignon, 31% Syrah, and 3% Petit Verdot. Garrigue and pencil lead notes combine with dark chocolate shavings, black florals and tar notes on the nose. The palate is powerful and rich with a refined mouthfeel and great sense of texture. Gorgeous now, offering immediate gratification, enjoy over the next twelve plus years to come. Drink 2026-2038- 95