Long Shadows’ recently upgraded from its former Woodinville tasting room into a brand new location (close by DeLille Cellars) that dazzles with soaring 35-foot ceilings, double-sided fireplace, dramatic backlit bar with granite countertops and a gleaming grand piano. Upholstered chairs and leather sofas punctuate the first-floor seating area. Upstairs, three fire pits and heat lamps invite guests to settle into the covered upper deck for an outdoor tasting.
When visionary and champion of Washington wine, Allen Shoup, founded Long Shadows back in 2002 his idea was simple, yet complex: Recruit seven of the world’s internationally-acclaimed winemakers, give each access to Washington’s meticulous fruit, and outfit a state-of-the-art winery to the vintners’ exacting cellar specifications to craft a singular wine in the style for which each one was best known.
Allen, the former CEO that lead Ste. Michelle Wine Estates to its early successes, recruited a dream team of winemakers hailing from France, Italy, Australia, Germany and Napa Valley to join his project. But the winemakers were all new to Washington vineyards, and to succeed Allen brought in Gilles Nicault to oversee local operations.
Gilles Nicault proved to be indispensable as the winemaking and viticulture director. He’s been with Long Shadows since its inception in 2002, refining the project’s vision and collaborating with the team of all-star vintners. An international winemaker in his own right, Gilles grew up in southern France, making wine in Côte du Rhône, Provence and Champagne. He arrived in Washington State in 1994 to expand his horizons, working for Woodward Canyon and others.
Today Gilles is still at the helm, even though the original team of winemakers are no longer involved in production.
The 2019 vintage releases we tasted will continue to improve in the cellar, deliver a stunning bold palate of dark fruit framed with powerful structure, filled with earth and spice notes.
The new tasting room is located at 14200 NE 145th St., Suite C, Woodinville WA and is open daily. Reservations are highly recommended and may be made in advance on the winery’s website at www.longshadows.com.
Below are three releases we recently reviewed:
Long Shadows 2019 Pedestal Merlot
95 pts.
Plump and graceful with plenty of energy and structure, dominated by a harmonious front edge of ripe black cherry that grows even deeper, joined by blackberry, tobacco, crushed pebbles, along with accents of eucalyptus, juniper and sage. A swath of sweet tannins extends the uber-long finish. $70
Long Shadows 2019 Pirouette
95 pts.
Suave, dark and elegant, this Bordeaux-blend displays a dominant savory loamy influence leaning toward mesquite, tobacco, cedar and roasted espresso entwined with lush black currant, roasted plum and baker’s chocolate. Dried herbs of bay and sage merge with a backstop of gripping, fine tannins that take hold on the prolonged ending. $70
Long Shadows 2019 Sequel Syrah
95 pts.
The meaty component is upfront, aligned to a powerfully-packed center of black currant, blackberry compote, licorice and spice notes. Heavily concentrated, leaving a dense, mouthcoating impression on the prodigious finish, marked by mineral, black pepper and tobacco leaf details. Ends with cavernous depth and length. $65