2016 Pedestal Merlot

2016 2016 Pedestal

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Michel Rolland, Pomerol vintner and consultant to many of the world's top wineries, provided the vision for this limited production Merlot.

Tasting Notes:

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A beautiful, dark opaque wine with expressive aromas of black cherry, cinnamon, cocoa, oak spice and a hint of sweet violet. Rich and balanced on the palate with layers of huckleberry, bittersweet chocolate and dark fruit flavors that leave a bold, yet refined, impression on the finish.

95 Points

The 2016 Pedestal from Michel Rolland checks in as a blend of 75% Merlot, 21% Cabernet Sauvignon, and the rest Petit Verdot that spent 22 months in 85% new French oak. It has a rocking bouquet of smoked black fruits, espresso, chocolate, and tobacco that gives way to a full-bodied, plump, incredibly sexy red that does everything right. It's one serious mouthful of Merlot and should keep for 10-12 years.

— Jeb Dunnuck
94 Points

The 2016 Pedestal Merlot has a precise nose of dusty plum, red flowers and soft oak tones with an elegant aroma of pencil lead fluttering about. The medium to full-bodied palate is clean and correct, with plush dark red fruit, dusty tannins, purple flowers and soft oak spices of vanilla, cardamom and nutmeg. The wine ends with a long, thoughtful, well-balanced finish that delivers complexity and pleasure simultaneously. Michel Rolland made this beauty of a bottle.

— Wine Advocate
94 Points

This has a distinctive, violet and plum nose in a classic Merlot style with subtle earthy complexity, too. The palate has a juicy and supple array of plush, succulent tannins and delivers an exceptionally fresh yet deeply flavorful finish. A Merlot-dominant blend with Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot.

— James Suckling
Varietal Composition 75% Merlot 21% Cabernet Sauvignon 4% Petit Verdot
Acid 0.58 grams/100ml
PH 3.77
Alcohol 14.9%
Vineyards

The 2016 Pedestal is a blend of one-third Wahluke Slope grapes that give Pedestal its bright, vibrant character, along with pretty violet and red cherry aromas and flavors. Dionysus and Bacchus Vineyard vines, planted in the late 1980s and early 1990s, comprise another third of the blend, adding black cherry and spice. Grapes from the Red Mountain area vineyards (25%) bring structure and complexity, and a small selection of top Horse Heaven Hills vineyards (11%) contribute refined tannins and layered complexity.

Explore Past Pedestal Vintages in The Library →