One of the most consistently excellent and intriguing projects in Washington wine, Long Shadows is basically an assembly of all-star winemakers applying their world-class skills to some of the best fruit in the state, and it's no wonder that the 2021 Feather Cabernet Sauvignon is the most impressive wine in the stable, as it comes from the hand of none other than Napa Valley icon Randy Dunn. "This rich, spicy, full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon has terrific purity, a deep, layered mid-palate, and a broad, layered, expansive mouthfeel that keeps you coming back to the glass," notes Jeb Dunnuck. This cult-caliber expression captures all the hallmark features that put the finest Washington Cabs in a class all their own.
With the help of one of the world's best consulting winemakers in Philippe Melka, Gilles Nicault has developed the Pirouette into a standout, Old World-inspired Bordeaux blend that's simultaneously pure Washington at heart, "a medium to full-bodied, nicely balanced, dense 2020 offering ripe tannins and outstanding length." The 2020 Pirouette is a true showcase of Nicault's blending skills, with top-flight Red Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot playing starring roles, supported by dashes of Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, and Malbec sourced from some of the appellation's most acclaimed sites, including Dionysus and Weinbau. The result is a wine that's "velvety smooth yet lifted in feel," displaying all the various varietal features in due course, along with classic Red Mountain structure and texture that tell you exactly where the wine comes from.
Finally, we have the 2020 Pedestal Columbia Valley Merlot that has been setting the bar for the category since its inception. Sourced from two premier sites on the Wahluke Slope, this top-flight expression boasts all the quintessential hallmarks that make Washington such a hotbed for collectible Merlot bottlings that rival the best from Napa and Bordeaux. Dunnuck declares, I loved the 2020 Merlot Pedestal, which makes the most of the vintage ... it's concentrated, has ripe, chalky tannins, plenty of mid-palate depth, and a great finish." In other words, you have everything you're looking for in a "luscious and round" 94-point rendition that will shine for years in the cellar.
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.
93 points, Jeb Dunnuck
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. The Pirouette is a blend of 66% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc and 2% Malbec.
93 points, Eric Guido, Vinous (Jan 2024)
Note 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. Drink or hold.
92 points, James Suckling (Mar 2023)
Top Quality Store
