The new Long Shadows tasting room was a much needed update, and definitely delivers a grand ambience for tasting the fine lineup. In this release, I favored the 2020 Cymbal (a complex and sophisticated sauv blanc), 2018 Pedestal, the Merlot dominant blend, and the 2019 Sequel, showing very well. Read on for the tasting.
2020 Cymbal
Sauv blanc blended from stainless, neutral, new oak, and concrete, with MLF. New Zealand meets Sancerre. White flowers and white peach, tropical fruit on the nose. Full on the palate, semi dry, with juicy peaches, lime and notes of mint. $35. Score 95.
2019 Saggi
Sangiovese, cab, syrah. Medium body, refreshing juicy plums with bright acidity. Black and white pepper. Rounded tannins and cocoa nibs on the finish. Showing well. $65. Score 93.
2018 Pedestal
Merlot, Cab, Malbec. Round, balanced, smooth and velvety on the palate. Plum, black fruit, tobacco, coffee and spice. Notes of licorice linger on the finish. $65. Score 95.
2019 Pirouette
Bdx blend. Earthy aromas. A seamless blend, silky and unctuous on the palate, dancing between dark fruit, cherries, vanilla and chocolate. Gentle finish with integrated tannins. $70. Score 94.
2019 Feather
Cab. Soft, medium cab, brooding and dark, dry with heavy tobacco, coffee, hazelnut. Chalky tannins. $75. Score 91.
2018 Chester-Kidder
Cab, Syrah, PV. Soft, weightless up front, black fruit, cherry cola, vanilla and drying tannins. $65. Score 94.
2019 Sequel
Syrah. Ham, smoke aromas. Black and blueberry compote, red cherries bursting with mouthwatering acidity. Accents of baking and exotic spice. Finish is smooth with notes of licorice. Showing very well. $65. Score 95.
