Expert's Picks
Washington's Long Shadow

TASTE - October 29, 2009

Visionaries don't think small; Allen Shoup is no exception. He's a founding father of the world's youngest fine wine growing region, the Columbia Valley. After running Stimson Lane (Chateau Ste. Michelle) for two decades, he set out to bring recognition to the sunny, treeless slopes of eastern Washington, much like what Robert Mondavi did for Napa. His vision is aptly named, Long Shadows.

Shoup knew Columbia Valley's climate and soil conditions were ideal for growing world class grapes. His unique business model aligns eight world renowned vintners; but not to make a single wine. Although Shoup and his team, including resident winemaker Gilles Nicault, run the day-to-day activities, each partner/vintner has complete control of his own operation, from vine to bottle. Each selects his own grapes and fermentation tanks and employs the winemaking methods that made him famous. The end results are individual, limited production creations, one white and six reds.

For example, Pomerol vintner and global winemaking consultant Michel Rolland makes Pedestal, an intense chocolate and spice Merlot blend. Napa's Randy Dunn's, Feather, is a fragrant, silky Cabernet Sauvignon. Germany's Armin Diel crafts a vibrant Riesling called Poet's Leap. Australian John Duval produces Sequel, a deep purple Syrah.

Unlike Dorothy's trip to Oz, Allen's journey down the yellow brick road of his dreams is off to a great start. The wine world has greeted each Long Shadows masterpiece with rave reviews.

Long Shadows
1604 Frenchtown Road
Walla Walla, WA 99362
Phone: 509 526-0905 (Open by appointment only)
www.LongShadows.com

The Wineries and Vintners of Long Shadows

Poet's Leap (Riesling), Armin Diel, Schlossgut Diel, Nahe River Valley, Germany

Feather (Cabernet Sauvignon), Randy Dunn, Dunn Vineyards, Napa Valley

Pedestal (Merlot), Michel Rolland, International Consultant/Bordeaux

Chester Kidder (red blend), Allen Shoup & Gilles Nicault

Pirouette (red blend), Agustin Huneeus, Quintessa, Napa Valley and Philippe Melka, Melka Wines, Napa Valley

Sequel (Syrah), John Duval, Penfolds, John Duval Wines

Saggi (Cabernet Sauvignon & Sangiovese), Ambrogio and Giovanni Folonari, Tenute A. & G. Folonari

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