Pirouette

The otherworldly 2021 Long Shadows Pirouette Red Wine is 55% Cabernet Sauvignon with 36% Merlot and the remainder Malbec and Petit Verdot. Very dark in the glass, this offers alluring black florals on the nose with tar, tobacco leaf, mocha, anise and shades of dark chocolate shavings. The stunning aromatics are simply head-turning. The palate is ultra-refined offering a seamless drinking experience. This is the finest edition of this wine that I have tasted since its inception back in 2003.

Ripe black and blue fruits, leafy herbs, violets, tobacco, and a kiss of some chocolaty oak all emerge from this beauty, and it hits the palate with medium to full-bodied richness, a broad, layered mouthfeel, velvety tannins, and a stunning finish.

Its marionberry and dried rose petal aromas meld seamlessly with earthy forest floor scents and touches of chocolate malt and graphite. The full-bodied wine’s blueberry, blackberry, nutmeg and black tea flavors float on a silken texture, backed by gentle acidity and velvety tannins.

Bold, ripe black plums and black cherries are soothed by dark-chocolate, cinnamon and vanilla nuances. Very full but balanced, leading to a lingering finish.

This envelops the palate in creamy textural waves and ripe red and blue fruits energized by a core of zesty acidity. Dramatically long and spicy, the 2021 leaves the sense drenched in primary concentration, tapering off long and tart with a framework of edgy tannins.

It opens with a dark, inky core and a subtle garnet halo, drawing you in with an expressive bouquet of crushed blackberries, blueberry reduction, dried sage, graphite dust, and hints of violets tucked into warm cedar. Swirling deeper, aromas of espresso grounds and dark baking chocolate add complexity and allure. On the palate, this wine delivers medium to full-bodied concentration, unfurling with polished richness and an elegant sense of control. The structure is built on plush, integrated tannins and balanced acidity, carrying flavors of ripe plum, mulled currants, sweet pipe tobacco, and faint char. Its layered texture creates a seamless flow across the tongue, finishing with finesse and a touch of spiced oak. Highly recommended.

Cellar Stocker - This is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (55%), Merlot (36%), Petit Verdot (7%), and Malbec, aged 22 months in French oak (80% new). It's still in its shell on first pour. As it opens, the wine displays notes of freshly brewed coffee, chocolate covered cherry, and spice. The palate is full-bodied, rich, ripe, and luscious, packed to the brim with dark fruit flavors, accented by creamy-feeling barrel notes. The flavors linger on the warm finish. It's supremely delicious with the focus on hedonism.

Consistently one of the great red blends in Washington State, the 2020 ‘Pirouette’ combines 66% Cabernet Sauvignon with 30% Merlot and small portions Cabernet Franc and Malbec. Aged in mainly new French oak barrels, this offers alluring Asian spices on the nose alongside suggestions of tar, cuban cigar and shades of black licorice. The palate is elegant and generous, showing soft tannins that frame a glorious core of black fruits, with shades of Black Forest Cake. A great wine to consume now, enjoy over the next few years.

Based on 66% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, and the balance Cabernet Franc and Malbec, the 2020 Pirouette offers more high-toned aromatics of plums, liquid violets, incense, and dark chocolate. These carry to a medium to full-bodied, nicely balanced, dense 2020 offering ripe tannins and outstanding length.

The 2020 Pirouette is spicy with a dark and brooding bouquet of musky black currant, grilled herbs, cocoa and ashen stone. This is velvety smooth, yet lifted in feel, with a combination of red and blue fruit that flows across a core of juicy acidity. It leaves the palate caked in primary concentration and fine tannins, as a mentholated herbal tinge adds freshness and suggestions of tobacco fade.

Notes of black cherries and mulberries with toasted spices and stones. Medium to full-bodied with creamy tannins and velvety texture. Meaty and structured with a flavorful finish. 66% cabernet sauvignon, 30% merlot, 2% cabernet franc and 2% malbec.

The 2019 Pirouette starts with a firm backbone of fresh dark red and black fruit tones that waft with dusty florals and succulent oak spices. Full-bodied and with layers of juicy plums, blackberry jus, vanilla and cardamom madeleines, the palate reveals a balanced structure, succulent acidity and fine-grained tannins. The wine glides to a refined and long-lingering finish and will continue to drink well and remain food-friendly for over two decades. Just over 30,000 bottles were filled after the wine rested for just under two years in all French oak, 85% new. Give it a try!

A stunning blend of 56% Cabernet Sauvignon, 33% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Franc, 3% Malbec and 2% Petit Verdot that was aged for 22 months in all French oak barrels, with about 75% being new. Dark plums, blackberry liquor, scorched earth, desert sage, and toasted baking spices jump from the glass. There is some grilled Blood orange aspects on the palate alongside black fruits and cedary herbs. Acidity and tannins are balanced and in check while finishing strong.

The 2019 Pirouette Red Wine is a mix of 56% Cab, 33% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Franc, and the rest Malbec and Petit Verdot. Currants, spicy oak, burning embers, and smoked tobacco are just some of its nuances, and it hits the palate with full-bodied richness, building, chalky tannins, plenty of mid-palate depth, and a great finish. It needs 3-4 years in the cellar, but it’s terrific.

This Cabernet-driven blend maintains a sense of balance with surprisingly lively acidity and muscular tannins. The aromas are a heady mix of cassis, thyme, graphite and steaks grilling over hot coals; with flavors of black currants, dark chocolate and cedar. - Cellar Selection

The brilliant 2019 Long Shadows Pirouette Red Wine combines 56% Cabernet Sauvignon 33% Merlot and the reminder Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot. The wine was stored in 75% new French oak before bottling. Very pure dark fruits combine dark chocolate shavings, green herbs, anise and creme de cassis. The palate is dense and chewy with refined tannins that frame a massive core of black and blue fruit flavors. Everything is wonderfully in balance here. Kudos to Gilles Nicault who has crafted another masterpiece in a difficult vintage for Bordeaux varietals.

The 2019 Pirouette is dark and spicy in the glass, with black raspberry, dusty rose and hints of mocha forming its bouquet. Its textures are something to behold, nearly velvety in feel, with potent red and black fruits accentuated by notes of baking spice and dark chocolate. The Pirouette finished structured and long, leaving primary concentration and youthful grippy tannins to linger.

Aromas of burnt rosemary, black cherry and earth. Full-bodied with bright acidity and honeyed notes of apricot and lavender. Good intensity.

The 2018 Pirouette checks in as 68% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Merlot, and 10% Petit Verdot aged 22 months in 85% new French oak. Deep purple-hued, it's a young, unevolved yet incredibly promising red with smoking good notes of ripe black and blue fruits as well as tobacco, graphite, and chocolate. Dense, full-bodied, and concentrated on the palate, it needs 3-5 years of bottle age but has the depth, balance, and class to evolve for 15-20 years or more.

Hauntingly good, the 2018 Pirouette is a stunning new bottling by Philippe Melka. Dense and chewy in the mouth, it takes on a glorious range of flavors from sage brush and pipe tobacco to black currant jelly and chocolate cake. The vibrant sense of tension and silky tannins both add to the enjoyment.

The aromas offer notes of espresso, dark chocolate, cedar box, spice and black cherry. Velvety flavors follow, showing richness and sophistication. Cellar Selection.

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.

The 2016 Pirouette is made by Philippe Melka and it's a total blockbuster based on 68% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot, and the balance Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc, and Malbec that was fermented in barrel and aged 22 months in 75% new oak. Crème de cassis, blackberries, toasted spices, cedar, and forest floor notes all emerge from this deep, rich, opulent red that has sweet tannins, a thrilling texture, no hard edges, and a monster finish. This is another best-to-date from this estate and it's an awesome wine.

Made by Philippe Melka, the 2016 Pirouette is a blend of 68% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot, 8% Petit Verdot, 6% Cabernet Franc and 3% Malbec. The wine has an expressive nose with a firm core of dark fruit, showing dense concentration of elegant florals and integrated oak spices. The full-bodied palate is clean and correct with a line of minerality through the mid-palate that is balanced by the naturally plush and generous fruit, ending with a long and contemplative finish.

The 2015 Pirouette Red Wine is a Cabernet Sauvignon dominated cuvée that includes 21% Merlot, 11% Petit Verdot, and 3% Malbec. It spent 22 months in 75% new French oak. Black currants, dark chocolate, crushed rock, and graphite notions all dominate this rich, opulent, beautifully concentrated, layered red. It has enough tannin to warrant short-term cellaring and is going to keep for 10-15+ years.

Pure and fruit-driven, the 2015 Pirouette wafts from the glass with notes of ripe cherries and plums. On the palate, it's lavishly textural and velvety, with an ample core of juicy dark fruits and good balancing acids, its abundant tannins only asserting themselves on the finish. Ripe and generous.

This inky colored beauty gives up tons of graphite, toasted spice, dried herbs and chocolately dark fruit, full-bodied richness, building ripe tannins and a great finish. It's another killer wine from this estate, and possibly the best to date.

Clean aromas and flavors of cassis, raspberry, licorice and milk chocolate. Fat, velvety and sweet but also conveys an impression of youthful energy and a medicinal reserve. This very harmonious blend finishes with a serious dose of broad, dusty tannins and palate-saturating length. Very sexy use of oak here.

Philippe Melka's 2013 Pirouette is no slouch and offers serious amounts of ripe black cherry fruits, graphite, hints of chocolate and plenty of sweet oak in a beautifully concentrated, ripe, textured package. Made from 63% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, 12% Petit Verdot and 5% Cabernet Franc (mostly from Red Mountain) that spent 22 months in 75% new French oak, give bottle 3-5 years in the cellar and enjoy over the following decade or more.

Dark ruby-red. Medicinal scents of black cherry, blueberry and violet, complicated by a whiff of game. Wonderfully suave and fine-grained, with a restrained sweetness perfectly countered by a light saline character, firm minerality and a solid tannic spine.

Another impeccable effort from this estate, the 2012 Pirouette checks in as a blend of 63% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Merlot, 12% Petit Verdot and 6% Cabernet Franc, all of which was barrel fermented (in 400L barrels) and spent 22 months in 75% new French oak. Full-bodied, rich, concentrated and textured, with no shortage of fruit, it offers loads of chocolaty black fruits, cedar, lead pencil shavings and hints of graphite on the nose. Like most 2012s, it has ample underlying tannin that's mostly hidden by the exuberant fruit and texture of the vintage.

The 2011 Pirouette has a deep, rich and full-bodied personality to go with solid aromas and flavors of black cherry, cassis, crushed rock, licorice and hints of white pepper. I love the overall purity here and it has ample, finely polished tannin on the lengthy finish.

Cellar Selection. Predominantly Cabernet, this is the most interesting and complex of all the Long Shadows red blends. It’s an aromatic and compelling wine with mixed scents of brambly berries and a touch of violets. Tannins are compact and fully ripe, with none of the chalky character shown in some other reds from this vintage. The juicy acidity and compact strength suggest that further cellaring will reward your patience.

Cellar Selection. Scents of violets and raspberries lead on the bouquet, with plenty of rich, new oak aromas. It's bright and spicy in the mouth, youthful and balanced, with terrific aging potential.

Offering ripe, toasty notes of smoked earth, herbs, chocolate, and assorted black fruits, it is medium-bodied, firm and focused on the palate, with great acidity and edgy tannin. It's a classy, elegant, and age-worthy Bordeaux blend that should evolve positively for 3-4 years and have 10-12 years of ultimate longevity.

Cellar Selection. Refined and elegant, it is precisely structured, with a firm herbal attack and a perfect blend of berry and cassis flavors. It's dense, deep and compact, suggesting long aging ahead.

Deep, bright medium ruby. Ripe, inviting aromas of cassis, black raspberry, blackberry and black licorice. Large-scaled, sweet and rich; wonderfully glossy in the mouth, with concentrated dark fruit flavors complemented by a strong element of sweet oak. This big boy finished with lovely lingering perfume, excellent length and terrific tannic grip.

A stunning Pirouette. Full and magnificently rich, it is loaded with dense and thrilling fruit flavors of black cherry and cassis. A streak of iron and a hint of citrus keep the wine evolving through a long, beautifully balanced finish. Retasted after being open for 24 hours, the wine was as fresh and thrilling as on the first day." Cellar Selection, ranked #2 in their Top 100 Wines of 2011

Bright ruby red. Explosive aromas of cassis, violet and menthol. Large-scaled, chewy and sweet, with dark fruit and strong spicy oak flavors shaped and extended by building tannins.

Medium purple in color, it sports an incipiently complex nose of Asian spices, incense, violets, mineral, black currant, and blackberry. This leads to a full-bodied, mouth-filling wine with ample ripe tannin, excellent balance, and 4-6 years of aging potential. Drink this pleasure-bent offering from 2014 to 2027.

Good deep red-ruby. Raspberry, licorice and an enticing floral quality on the nose. Lush, smooth and sweet, but with lovely violet lift giving energy to the dark raspberry and cocoa powder flavors. Very broad, generous wine with sexy oak treatment. Finishes with substantial broad tannins and lovely length. Has the guts to age, but there's nothing hard about this beauty today. Part of this wine was fermented in 400-liter oak barrels.

This rich, opulent red teems with currant, blackberry, plum and exotic spice flavors, weaving in touches of herb and tobacco as the finish sails easily on.

Cellar Selection. Concentrated and focused, it is expressive right out of the bottle, supple and clearly defined. Floral, darkly fruited, bursting with black cherry and cassis, detailed with licorice and stone, this excellent wine will be difficult to put away for aging, but well worth the effort.

This is substantial, textural, and complex. The toasty new oak flavors are more than matched by rich layers of berries, cassis and black cherries. It would show quite well against California Meritage-style wines costing twice as much.

Saturated purple in color, it offers aromas of wood smoke, earth notes, spice box, plum, black currant, and blueberry.

The expressive nose offers up pain grille, scorched earth, blueberry, and blackberry liqueur. This is followed by a thick wine with silky tannins, superb depth and richness, and layers of flavor.

The 2003 Pirouette (500 cases) reveals a super nose of sweet black fruits, tar, and licorice. An immensely broad wine, it unleashes creamy waves of black fruits on the palate that are powerfully flavored and linger throughout its extensive finish. An immensely lush, engaging effort, it reveals excellent tannin and ripeness.

A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, Pirouette gives off scents of red cherry grounded by oak. That fruit comes to the fore in the wine’s flavor, generous yet light on its feet, with a mildly smoky finish that grows in complexity after a day open.