The 2004 Saggi Red Wine is made by Ambrogio and Giovanni Folonari of the well-known Tuscan family whose winemaking history dates back to the late 1700s. It is composed of 35% Sangiovese, 35% Cabernet Sauvignon, 16% Syrah, and 14% Barbera. All but the Syrah comes from the Alder Ridge Vineyard in the Horse Heaven AVA. The wine was aged for 18 months in French oak. Dark ruby/purple in color, it has an excellent nose of earth, leather, cassis and black cherry. This is followed by a smoothly textured wine with excellent depth, soft tannins, and spicy dark fruit flavors. The pure black cherry flavors persist through the lengthy finish. This stylish wine should evolve for several years and drink well through 2025. Long Shadows is a winery begun by Alan Shoup, the long-time CEO of Stimson Lane and Chateau Ste.-Michelle. It is a consortium of seven different brands (labels), each with its own star winemaker who has a 25% share in the brand. The concept is that each “?is dedicated to producing a single Columbia Valley wine representing a ‘best of type’ that reflects the winemaker’s signature style.” Tel. (425) 467-9398; www.longshadows.com

This blend is done along super Tuscan lines, about one-third Sangiovese, one-third Cabernet Sauvignon, and the other third Syrah and some not-so-Tuscan Barbera. Smooth, chocolaty and dark, the winemaking is impeccable. But as with some of the other Long Shadows reds, this wine has not completely forged its own identity. The goal is “Tuscan characters showcasing Columbia Valley terroir.” The jury is still out on how that will ultimately be accomplished.——P.G.(5/1/2007)—— 90