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He graduated from the University of Avignon with a degree in
Viticulture and Enology and honed his craft in the vineyards
and wineries of Côtes du Rhône, Provence, and Champagne.
In 1994, Nicault moved to Washington for an internship and
was so taken by the growing region he decided to stay. Nicault
joined Woodward Canyon in 1996, where he was named head
of enology and production before moving to Long Shadows
in 2003. Under Nicault's careful and adventurous eye, Long
Shadows produces a select offering of red and white wines
that capture the spirit of the winemaker while allowing the
fruit to express itself. He was named Winemaker of the Year at
the 2016 Washington Wine Awards.
Food & Wine magazine named Long Shadows its "Winery
of the Year" in 2007, just four years after its founding. A
description of Long Shadows wines, all remarkably rated 90+
every year since each wine's debut vintage, follows.
Randy Dunn, known for his work with Cabernet Sauvignon
at Napa Valley's Caymus Vineyards as well as his own label,
Dunn Vineyards, crafts Feather. With its impressive balance
of intensity and elegance, Feather is a firmly-structured wine
that showcases the best of what Columbia Valley Cabernet
Sauvignon has to offer.
Michel Rolland lends his talents to the Pedestal Merlot, an
acclaimed wine that earned a spot on Wine Spectator's Top
TOP: Long Shadows dream team of international vintners travel to Washington
regularly to visit the vineyards and assemble final blends. Left to Right: Gilles
Nicault, Michel Rolland, Allen Shoup, John Duval, Philippe Melka, Randy Dunn.
Photograph courtesy of Long Shadows Vintners
BELOW: Guest amenities at the Walla Walla winery include an expansive patio,
outdoor fire pit and two pétanque courts.
Photograph by Jack von Eberstein
