2019 2019 Pedestal

The 2019 Pedestal Merlot was made with 21% Cabernet Sauvignon and 4% Malbec. The nose opens with a firm backbone of fresh and ripe black plums and dark cherries before delightful oaky essences sway from the glass with notions of baked earth. Full-bodied, the palate offers a firm mouthfeel that lifts with time to reveal a succulent tannic edge and juicy flavors of spiced plums and blackberry skin with brown baking spices, vanilla and nutmeg that resonate with vibrancy and power. The wine continues to evolve and reveal elegant complexities before ending with a long spicy finish with delightful oak tones.

I loved the 2019 Pedestal Merlot from Long Shadows, which is a mélange of 75% Merlot, 21% Cabernet Sauvignon and 4% Malbec. Showing terrific presence and balance from start to finish, it boasts mouthwatering notes of red and black cherries, marionberries, wet autumn leaves, cedary herbs, and shades of sweet vanilla bean. This elegant and balanced Merlot will drink perfectly for the next decade or more with proper cellaring. Highly recommended.

The 2019 Pedestal Merlot was stored in 80% new French oak for 22 months before bottling. Black Forest Cake and espresso grounds fill the nose alongside sandalwood tones. Silky on the mouth and showing refined tannins, this packs a punch despite the coolness of the vintage. The oak caresses the palate as the wine revels in its dense cassis, tar and black cherry cordial flavors alongside dark chocolate shavings. This has some terrific aging potential and give this an hour in the decanter if enjoying now.

The 2019 Pedestal Merlot is terrific, with a plump, round, medium to full-bodied style offering decadent Merlot red and black cherry fruit as well as notes of tobacco leaf, damp earth, and spicy aromas and flavors. It shows the cooler style of the vintage with its elegant, streamlined texture, is perfectly balanced, and will certainly keep for 10-15 years.

Gutsy yet refined, this red balances a broad-shouldered structure with rich, multilayered flavors of blackberry and currant. Offers accents of licorice and espresso while building tension toward big yet balanced tannins. Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec.

Blackberry, black cherry, charcoal and toasted herbs on the nose. Full-bodied with chewy tannins. Chocolate and crushed black fruit mix on the palate. Well structured and layered.

The 2019 Pedestal Merlot is darkly alluring with dusty blue-toned florals, wild berries, lavender and just a hint of mocha. This flows across the palate like pure silk, elegant and refined, yet youthfully sleek, displaying floral-laced blue fruits. This is such an incredibly pretty vintage of Pedestal.