Pirouette Cabernet Sauvignon 03
93 Points - Pierre Rovani (Wine Advocate): "A Long Shadows consortium winery, Pirouette has two men at its helm, Agustin Huneeus, Sr. (Veramonte and Concha y Toro of Chile, as well as California Franciscan Oakville Estate, Mount Veeder, Estancia, and Quintessa) and Philippe Melka (Marston, Seavey, Constant, Lail, Caldwell, Quintessa, 100 Acre, Vineyard 29, and Metisse). The 2003 Pirouette (500 cases), a blend of 56% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Merlot, 10% Syrah, 9% Cabernet Franc, and 3% Petit Verdot, 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. Drink it over the next 12-14 years.
Wine Spectator 91 points: "Rich, focused and spicy, with lots of chocolaty oak around a frame of vibrant core of currant and plum fruit, persisting nicely on the supple finish. Has plenty of style, but you have to like oak." H.S. Famous winemaker Agustin Huneeus, in collaboration with Philippe Melka, made this limited Boredeaux-style blend from Washington State fruit. Pirouette is a richly concentrated red blend, offering a seamless balance of power and elegance. Layers of ripe plum, black cherry and wild berry flavors are highlighted by hints of mocha and spice across a long, silky finish. Grapes from the Wahluke Slope (31%) provided richness, concentration and dark fruit; Horse Heaven Hills vineyards (32%) contributed depth; Walla Walla (25%) added ripe fruit character; the Yakima Valley (9%) gave the wine its balance and acidity; Petit Verdot from Ciel du Cheval on Red Mountain (3%) further enhanced balance and complexity.
MORE INFORMATION
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.
