It’s the ultimate Wine Dream Team! It took Allen Shoup, former president and CEO of Chateau Ste. Michelle, a number of years to bring his farfetched idea to reality. But in the end, Shoup was able to pull off the unimaginable: Five legendary winemakers, from around the world, agreed to make wine at his Washington State vineyards. Remarkable!!!
Here are the Superstars
Randy Dunn
Randy Dunn – Currently the owner of Dunn Vineyards, on Howell Mountain, Dunn established his reputation at Caymus Winery, where his Cabernet Sauvignons became the benchmark for the industry.
Michel Rolland
Michel Rolland – Arguably one of the most influential winemaking consultants in the world, Rolland, who is based in Pomerol, works with over 100 vineyards world wide. He also owns and manages Château Le Bon Pasteur in Pomerol, Château Bertineau Saint-Vincent in Lalande-de-Pomerol, Château Rolland-Maillet in Saint-Émilion, and Château Fontenil in Fronsac. In addition, Rolland manages the Chateau La Grande Clotte in Lussac-Saint-Émilion.
Philippe Melka
Philippe Melka – After training under some of the world’s most revered wine masters: Delmas and Masclef from Château Haut-Brion, Moueix and Berrouet from Château Pétrus, Melka went on to become one of the top winemakers in Napa. Hundred Acre, Seavey Vineyard, Dana Estates and Vineyard 29 have become cult favorites under his direction. He also produces his own label, Metisse and CJ.
John Duval
John Duval – Few winemakers are as synonymous with the iconic wines of a country as John Duval, best known for his work with Penfolds’ Grange, the gold standard for Australian Shiraz. His wines have garnered 100-points in 1976, 1986, 1990, 2010, 2012 and 2013. Additionally, in 2008, he received 100-points from both Wine Spectator and Robert Parker — a feat seldom seen.
Giovanni Folonari
Giovanni Folonari – The Folonaris are among Italy’s oldest and most prestigious Tuscan wine families, with a winemaking history dating back to the late 1700s. Currently, Giovanni Folonari manages a collection of small-lot, estate-grown wines, including his DOCG Chianti, made from 100% Sangiovese.
How Allen Shoup Made It Happen
Shoup called his project Long Shadows in tribute to the legendary winemakers who lent their talent to his label. And he worked tirelessly to parlay his relationships of over 20 years in the wine industry for the new venture. Shoup served 17 years as CEO of Chateau Ste. Michelle, where he is credited with leading Washington State from a 4,000-acre region of unsung vineyards to a world-class 30,000 acre Columbia Valley appellation. Under his leadership, company revenues grew from $5 million to $175 million. So, it’s safe to say he had a few connections.
As winemakers began to show interest in his, Shoup also found himself agreeing to accommodate “a diverse group of individuals’ exacting cellar specifications.” We can only imagine. Would have been fascinating to have been a fly on the wall during those conversations!!!
Gilles Nicault
Fortunately, Shoup found the perfect winemaker for his venture. Gilles Nicault has served as director of winemaking and viticulture since Long Shadows’ inception in 2003. As resident winemaker overseeing daily operations at Long Shadows’ winery in Walla Walla, Gilles works with the Superstar vintners. It is his job to ensure that each winemaker’s vision is realized in the vineyard and the cellar. In 2016, Seattle Magazine named him Washington State’s “Winemaker of the Year.”
Gilles grew up in southern France and graduated from the University of Avignon with a degree in viticulture and enology. After working in the Côtes du Rhône, Provence and Champagne, he moved to Washington State.
The Long Shadows Vineyards
The Long Shadow wines are produced from seven vineyards – Sagemoor, Conner Lee, Candy Mountain and, Boushey in Columbia Valley; Stonetree in Wahluke Slope; Tapteil in Red Mountain and The Benches in Horse Heaven Hills.
The variety and breadth of the vineyards is again part of Shoup’s vision. The seven different properties allow his world-class winemakers access to terroirs particularly suited to their specialties and winemaking experiences.
We’re fortunate to have a collection of these exceptional wines in both sets and individual bottles. To order write mthibaultwine@gmail.com or call 850-687-1370.
2014 Collection – 6 Winemakers
3 sets available at $299.94 (average price per bottle $49.99)
Feather (Randy Dunn) Cabernet Sauvignon. RP 93+
Chester Kidder (Gilles Nicault) Cabernet Sauvignon/Syrah. ST 93
Pedestal Merlot (Michel Rolland) Merlot. WA 95
Pirouette (Philippe Melka) Cabernet Sauvignon. WA 94
Sequel (John Duval) Syrah. WA 94
Saggi (Giovanni Folonari) Super Tuscan. RP 94
2014 Single Bottles
Chester Kidder (Gilles Nicault) Cabernet Sauvignon/Syrah. $51.99. 3 bottles
Feather (Randy Dunn) Cabernet Sauvignon. $103.99. 2 Magnums
Pirouette (Philippe Melka) Cabernet Sauvignon. $99.99. 2 Magnums
Sequel (John Duval) Syrah. $51.99. 4 bottles.
2015 Single Bottles
Feather (Randy Dunn) Cabernet Sauvignon. JD 97. $55.99. 16 bottles
Pirouette (Philippe Melka) Cabernet Sauvignon. RP 93. $52.99. 12 bottles
Sequel (John Duval) Syrah. JD 95. $52.99. 15 bottles
Saggi (Giovanni Folonari) Super Tuscan, JD 94 at $47.99. 11 bottles
More Washington State gems:
2013 Quilceda Creek Red Blend. WS 94. $54.99. 5 bottles
2014 Quilceda Creek Palengat. RP 96. $119.99. 10 bottles
2014 Quilceda Creek Galitzine. WA 100. $189.99. 3 bottles
2014 Quilceda Creek Columbia Valley. WA 100. $189.99. 1 bottle only!
Here’s to dreaming big!
