Long Shadows Vintners: 2011 Poet’s Leap and 2008 Saggi



By Kori ~ August 22nd, 2012.

Founded by Washington wine pioneer Allen Shoup, Long Shadows Vintners is a collection of ultra-premium wineries comprised of internationally acclaimed winemakers from the major wine regions of the world. Each winemaker is a partner in a unique winery dedicated to producing a single Columbia Valley wine representing a “best of type” that reflects the winemaker’s signature style.

Allen Shoup is considered one of the pioneers of the Washington wine industry. He was the CEO of Stimson Lane wine group for years. During that time, he oversaw their portfolio of wineries, including Chateau Ste. Michelle and Columbia Crest, and forged relationships with many important players in the wine business around the world. Upon retirement, he pursued his dream of bringing some of the most highly acclaimed winemakers from different regions around the world to Washington to make world-class wines from Washington grapes comparable to the wines they make in their native wine regions. The Long Shadows winemaker-partners began crafting their signature wines in 2003.

Through the years, we’ve had the pleasure of tasting a number of Long Shadows wines. Recently, we had the opportunity to taste the 2011 Poet’s Leap and the 2008 Saggi in a blind samples tasting. Both wines are very good, but we especially enjoyed the Poet’s Leap, a Riesling made by Armin Diel of Schlossgut Diel in Germany. Saggi is a Super Tuscan-style blend of Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Syrah, made by Ambrogio and Giovanni Folonari, a father-son winemaking team from Italy.

2011 Poet’s Leap Riesling (Columbia Valley, Washington): Pale, greenish yellow in color. Nice nose with aromas of white peach, apricot, and pear. More white peach and apricot as well as minerality come through on the palate. Off-dry and medium-bodied with crisp acidity. Well-balanced with a long, clean finish. Residual Sugar: 1.31%
Quality: 4 stars (out of 5)
QPR: 4 bangs for your buck (out of 5)
Where to Buy: Received as sample, suggested retail $20; Available elsewhere, $17 to $25

2008 Saggi (Columbia Valley, Washington): 45% Sangiovese, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 15% Syrah. Deep, dark purple. Nice nose with red and black fruits, oak, and spice. Strawberry, blackberry, cinnamon, and a touch of earth come through on the palate. Medium to full-bodied with lively acidity, medium tannins, and a long finish.
Quality: 3.5 stars (out of 5)
QPR: 3 bangs for your buck (out of 5)
Where to Buy: Received as sample, suggested retail $45; Available elsewhere, $33 to $44


Filed under: American Wine, Red Wine, Riesling, Sangiovese, Washington State Wine, White Wine, Wines Over $25, Wines Under $20, Wines Under $25

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