2017 2017 Pirouette

The 2017 Pirouette checks in as 58% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, 13% Malbec, and the rest Petit Verdot. Gorgeous crème de cassis, crushed flowers, white chocolate, and espresso notes all give way to a full-bodied, thrillingly textured, layered red that has terrific tannins, no hard edges, and a great, great finish. It can be drunk today but will develop additional complexity with 3-4 years of bottle age and keep for two decades or more.

Winemakers Philippe Melka & Agustin Huneeus, Sr joined forces to create this stunning left-bank Bordeaux blend that is aged 22 months in French oak barrels with 85% being new. I was surprised that the oak doesn’t overpower the wine, but the exact opposite is true. The oak spices and tannins are perfectly inline and integrated with the acidity and fruit characteristics which all meld perfectly together. Crafted from a blend of 58% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, 13% Malbec, 9% Petit Verdot, the nose screams cinnamon sugar toast, blackberry stems, black plum, blue raspberry and sagebrush. A layered and expressive palate of black plum, fresh boysenberry, spiced apple cider, mocha powder, ground cloves and toast create a wine that is very fruit forward on the nose but ends more savory on the palate. This wine will age for several decades, is highly recommended and punches way above its price point.

Deep ruby in color, the 2017 Pirouette is an instant success on the nose with scents of juicy plums, cassis, dark cherry compote and blackberry essence. The nose continues with seamless oak tones of vanilla and cinnamon that compound with elements of juicy tobacco and fresh violets. Full-bodied, the wine explodes on the palate with a kaleidoscope of red and black fruit flavors, a spicy undercurrent and a firm tannic structure that will lend to its longevity. The wine concludes with bitter dark chocolate flavors, dark cherry skin essence and elevated alcohol. This wine is smoking at this price. I want more!

Pure, dark scents of cassis, black cherry, licorice and bitter chocolate are complicated by violet and loam notes. Very suave, smooth and juicy on entry, then perfumes the mouth with red and darker berries, spices, menthol, dark chocolate and flowers. At once savory and sweet, this Bordeaux blend boasts excellent definition and lift but also attractive pliancy in the middle palate.