Allen took inspiration for Long Shadows from his good friend and mentor Robert Mondavi, whose Opus One collaboration with Baron Philippe de Rothschild furthered the prestige of Napa Valley. Inspired by the idea of international partnerships and fortunate to enjoy industry friendships spanning the globe, Allen envisioned a more complex alliance to highlight the quality and diversity of Washington vineyards. He easily recruited a dream team of winemakers. The talent pool was deep, but the winemakers were all new to Washington vineyards. To succeed, Allen knew he needed boots on the ground, someone who enjoyed strong working relationships with the Columbia Valley’s best growers and was excited by the challenge of working with a divergent group of winemakers.

Gilles joined Long Shadows shortly before the start of his tenth vintage in Washington, just as Long Shadows’ first celebrated vintners were signing on to the project. An international winemaker in his own right, Gilles grew up in southern France, studied viticulture and enology there, and made wine in Côte du Rhône, Provence, and Champagne. Already a winemaker of rising fame in his homeland, he traveled to Washington State in 1994 to expand his winemaking skills, working for several top Washington wineries, including Woodward Canyon. By the time Long Shadows was established, Gilles knew Washington vineyards well. He sought the position at Long Shadows, eager to merge his winemaking skills with a remarkable group of vintners.

With Gilles at the helm, Long Shadows began crafting wines inspired by iconic winemakers, each of global prominence and famous for their mastery of a particular variety and style:

• Randy Dunn, Dunn Vineyard, Napa Valley (Feather Cabernet Sauvignon)

• Agustin Huneeus Sr. and Philippe Melka, Quintessa, Napa Valley (Pirouette)

• John Duval, Penfolds, Barossa Valley (Sequel Syrah)

• Michel Rolland, Chateau Le Bon Pasteur, Pomerol (Pedestal Merlot)

• Ambrogio and Giovanni Folonari, Tenute Folonari, Tuscany (Saggi)

• Armin Diel, Schlossgut Diel, Nahe Valley (Poet’s Leap Riesling)

Gilles own wine, Chester-Kidder, was the first Long Shadows red produced in 2002.

The winemakers joined Long Shadows as co-owners of their wine, not as consultants. In so doing, Allen reasoned, each partner would be vested in learning more about Washington State’s vineyards, and Long Shadows’ wines would exemplify the viticultural excellence of the Columbia Valley.