Pirouette
(Long Shadows) Red Wine 2014
(Columbia Valley, Washington) - [RP 94+] [VM 93]

Notes from the Winemaker:
Deep in color and complexity, this wine combines expressive red fruit aromas with dark chocolate and blueberry flavors accented by hints of oak spice that evolve across the palate. A juicy yet beautifully balanced wine with a rich mouthfeel and persistent finish.

Winemaking:
For the Cabernet Sauvignon included in this blend, a variety of fermentation techniques were used to promote complexity and richness in the finished wine. Hand harvested Cabernet grown on Red Mountain was fermented with wild yeast in 400L oak barrels that were gently rolled throughout fermentation to add structure and showcase the grapes' rich, supple tannins. All other varieties were fermented in traditional stainless steel tanks, with select lots enjoying longer skin contact to enhance the wine's dark color and mid-palate. Aged 22 months in French oak barrels, 75% new. Bottled unfiltered and unfined.

Technical Data:
Blend: 63% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, 12% Petit Verdot, 5% Cabernet Franc
Alcohol: 15.0%
pH: 3.82
TA: 0.57

Ratings & Reviews:

94+ Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate:
"Made by Philippe Mekla, the 2014 Pirouette checks in as a blend of 57% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Petit Verdot, 17% Merlot, 7% Cab Franc and a splash of Malbec. This inky colored beauty gives up tons of graphite, toasted spice, dried herbs and chocolatey dark fruit, full-bodied richness, building, ripe tannin and a great finish. It's another killer wine from this estate, and possibly the best to date." - Jeb Dunnuck (30th Jun 2017)

93 Points - Vinous Media:
"Bright red-ruby. 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. (Drink between 2019-2026)" - Stephen Tanzer (Oct 2017)