MAGNUM size (1500 ml)

This rich, deeply colored wine offers a broad spectrum of complex aromas including leather and black cherry interwoven with hints of spice, earth and a subtle note of licorice. Supple yet firm tannins on the entry turn rich on the mid-palate to provide a lush mouthfeel across a lengthy finish.

For the 2005 Pirouette, a selection of outstanding Columbia Valley vineyards (48%) were chosen for their ripe fruit character; Wahluke Slope (24%) and Red Mountain (9%) vineyards added ripe tannins and flavors; Horse Heaven Hills vineyards (14%) including Cabernet Sauvignon from Champoux and Wallula Vineyards contributed texture and a distinct, earthy note to the wine; and Yakima Valley's Boushey Vineyard (5%) added an extra layer of dark fruit. This wine was aged 22 months in 75% new oak with a selection of barrels from Taransaud, St. Martin and Ermitage.

Napa Valley legends Philippe Melka and Agustin Huneeus came to Washington to craft a stylish, concentrated wine showcasing the best of the Columbia Valley. To achieve their goal, whole berries were gently fermented in small lots with gentle pumpovers to give the wine its ripe, lush fruit character and avoid harsh tannins. The final blend was aged 20 months in 100% French oak (70% new; 30% one-year-old) barrels.

Collectors who enjoy big, rich, fruit-forward wines will find Columbia Valley's 2003 vintage to their liking. This was one of Washington's warmest seasons on record with overall heat accumulation rivaling the high numbers posted in 1998. Temperatures were warm from June to August, allowing grapes to reach an exceptional level of maturity - a wonderful vintage from start to finish.