JEB DUNNUCK 96 POINTS - "A blend put together by the incredibly talented Michel Rolland, the 2021 Merlot Pedestal is based on 80% Merlot, 11% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 9% Petit Verdot that spent 22 months in 75% new French oak. Its deep plum/purple hue is followed by a brilliant, full-bodied, unctuous beauty that has loads of darker currant and black cherry fruits, some chocolate and leafy herbs notes, velvety tannins, and a layered mouthfeel that just begs to be drunk. It's easily one of the finest expressions of Merlot in the state, and it would stand up just fine to some of the top Merlot releases from France and Napa. Drink bottles over the coming 10-15 years."
ANTONIO GALLONI'S VINOUS MEDIA 95 POINTS - "The 2021 Merlot Pedestal is darkly floral and inward, slowly evolving with notes of crushed ashen stones, cocoa and autumnal spice that give way to blackberries and savory herbs. This is elegant on the palate, velvety and creamy yet fresh, with masses of ripe blueberry complicated by sage and dark chocolate. A web of fine-grained tannins flexes upon the palate as the 2021 finishes with outstanding length and concentration, leaving a tart blackberry resonance and hints of sour citrus."
ANTONIO GALLONI'S VINOUS MEDIA 95 POINTS - "The 2021 Merlot Pedestal is darkly floral and inward, slowly evolving with notes of crushed ashen stones, cocoa and autumnal spice that give way to blackberries and savory herbs. This is elegant on the palate, velvety and creamy yet fresh, with masses of ripe blueberry complicated by sage and dark chocolate. A web of fine-grained tannins flexes upon the palate as the 2021 finishes with outstanding length and concentration, leaving a tart blackberry resonance and hints of sour citrus."
