2016 Long Shadows Pirouette Red

Dark red-ruby. More precise on the nose than the Pedestal Merlot, offering aromas of black cherry, menthol and bitter chocolate. Then wonderfully silky and dense in the mouth, combining superb concentration and a subtle sweetness to its flavors of black raspberry, licorice, bitter chocolate and sexy oak. Fully ripe but also nicely delineated. Finishes very long and classically dry, with serious but smooth tongue-saturating tannins and resounding fruit. Gilles Nicault told me that winemaker Philippe Melka rotates the barrels during the vinification, instead of punching down or pumping over. (15.1% alcohol; the Cabernet Sauvignon from Red Mountain was fermented in 400-liter barrels made by Baron, 22% new; the blend was then aged in 75% new oak for 22 months; 3.85 pH)

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. 2,188 cases produced.

This offers a fresh array of ripe red fruit with a smooth and juicy delivery of tannin that is framed in glossy oak spice. All modern and supple here and an easygoing finish. A blend of 68% cabernet sauvignon, 15% merlot, 8% petit verdot, 6% cabernet franc and 2% malbec. Drink now.