The 2019 Pedestal Merlot, a product of the Columbia Valley in Washington, presents a robust and well-structured profile. This vintage is a blend of 75% Merlot, 21% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 4% Malbec, delivering a deeply layered and multifaceted wine.

James Suckling from jamessuckling.com gave it a score of 92, noting its "blackberry, black cherry, charcoal, and toasted herbs on the nose" along with its "full-bodied" nature and "chewy tannins." He highlighted its "chocolate and crushed black fruit mix on the palate" and recommended that it would be best enjoyed after 2024.

Jeb Dunnuck provided a slightly higher score of 94, describing the wine as "terrific" with a "plump, round, medium to full-bodied style." He emphasized the "decadent Merlot red and black cherry fruit" and the "elegant, streamlined texture" reflecting the cooler vintage. Dunnuck also praised its balance and suggested that the wine would age well, keeping for 10-15 years.

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate also awarded the 2019 Pedestal Merlot a 94 score. The review praised the wine's "firm backbone of fresh and ripe black plums and dark cherries" and "delightful oaky essences." The full-bodied palate was noted for its "succulent tannic edge" and "juicy flavors of spiced plums and blackberry skin." The wine was described as evolving with "elegant complexities" and finishing with "long spicy finish with delightful oak tones." The wine spent 22 months in French oak barrels, 86% of which were new, and yielded just under 32,000 bottles.

Vinous echoed these sentiments, also rating the wine at 94. Described as "darkly alluring," the review highlighted "dusty blue-toned florals, wild berries, lavender, and just a hint of mocha." The wine was characterized by its "elegant and refined" texture, with "floral-laced blue fruits" and a noticeable minerality. The review noted the wine's potential to further develop over the years.

Wine Spectator offered a balanced review, scoring the wine at 93. The review called it "gutsy yet refined," balancing "a broad-shouldered structure with rich, multilayered flavors of blackberry and currant." Accents of "licorice and espresso" were noted, with the wine building "tension toward big yet balanced tannins." The wine is recommended for consumption from now through 2030.

Overall, the 2019 Pedestal Merlot is a well-crafted, multi-dimensional wine with strong endorsements from several notable reviewers, making it a compelling choice for both immediate enjoyment and long-term cellaring.