Why Visit Long Shadows?
Why do you need to visit Long Shadows Vintners tasting room in Walla Walla Valley of Washington?
Because Long Shadows is probably the most unique winery in the world. It's like visiting the MOMA Museum in NYC, Pompidou Center in Paris or Hollywood Studios. This is where you'll taste the artwork of some of the top winemakers of our time, and, if you are lucky, possibly meet one of them.
Long Shadows Vintners
Founded in 2003 by Washington State wine visionary Allen Shoup, the Long Shadows was based on a simple yet complex idea: get together the finest winemakers of the world; give each vintner access to Washington State's best grapes; and outfit a winery to accommodate each winemaker with desired cellar specifications. Basically, each winemaker has a row of barrels with his name on them.
Essentially, Long Shadows Vintners is a collection of seven ultra-premium Columbia Valley wines showcasing what Walla Walla Valley grapes capable of in the hands of internationally acclaimed winemakers with total artistic freedom.
The Winemakers
Since the beginning, Gilles Nicault, Long Shadows' director of winemaking and viticulture, has overseen the operations of the winery in addition to crafting Chester-Kidder, a Cabernet Sauvignon/Syrah blend.
Randy Dunn is the creator of Feather Cabernet Sauvignon and is one of the world’s most celebrated Cabernet Sauvignon winemakers. He established the reputation at Caymus Winery from 1975 to 1985, where his Cabernet Sauvignons became the benchmark for the industry.
John Duval continues his winemaking quest with Sequel Syrah since 2003. He's best known for his work with Penfolds Grange, the gold standard for Australian Shiraz.
Philippe Melka makes Pirouette Red Blend following the best traditions of his homeland. French-born Philippe is now widely recognized as one of the leading craftsmen of his trade and was named one of the top nine winemakers in the world by Robert Parker.
Michel Rolland, the Pomerol vintner, and consultant to many of the world's top wineries provided the vision for limited release Pedestal Merlot.
Since 2016 Gilles Nicault Gilles assumed complete winemaking responsibilities for Poet's Leap and Saggi now crafts in styles that remain true to their original winemakers:
Armin Diel, one of the most highly acclaimed Riesling producers, came to Long Shadows in 2003 to make Poet's Leap Riesling.
Ambrogio and Giovanni Folonari, one of Tuscany's oldest and most prestigious wine families who joined Long Shadows in 2006 to create Saggi, a Cabernet Sauvignon and Sangiovese blend.
The Wine Tasting Flight
On our wineswinging visit, we got a chance to taste these wines:
- 2016 Poet's Leap Riesling
- 2017 Dazzle Rose
- 2016 Saggi
- 2016 Feather
- 2015 Pedestal
- 2015 Chester-Kidder
Some of them went home with us!
It's best to make an appointment if you plan to visit Long Shadows Vintners tasting rooms because they offer 60 minutes seated tasting. They have two locations: in Woodville near Seattle, and in Walla Walla.
Walla Walla tasting room has two options: regular Portfolio Tasting and The Inside Story. We would recommend The Inside Story if you're in Walla Walla because you'll get to see the cellar and production facility, taste some wine from the barrels and finish with a tasting of a special wine.