2017 Long Shadows Pirouette Red
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Tasting notes
Bright ruby-red. Pure, dark scents of cassis, black cherry, licorice and bitter chocolate are complicated by violet and loam notes. Very suave, smooth and juicy on entry, then perfumes the mouth with red and darker berries, spices, menthol, dark chocolate and flowers. At once savory and sweet, this Bordeaux blend boasts excellent definition and lift but also attractive pliancy in the middle palate. An energetic midweight with superb concentration and a firm structure but no hard edges. Finishes very long and alive, with dusty but refined tannins reaching the front teeth. A touch of Petit Verdot inkiness is supported by the wine's depth of material. A worthy successor to the 2016 bottling, this may drink a bit earlier but should last well. (ST)
Critic scores
Average Score
James Suckling
Jeb Dunnuck
More reviews and scores
Deep ruby in color, the 2017 Pirouette is an instant success on the nose with scents of juicy plums, cassis, dark cherry compote and blackberry essence. The nose continues with seamless oak tones of vanilla and cinnamon that compound with elements of juicy tobacco and fresh violets. Full-bodied, the wine explodes on the palate with a kaleidoscope of red and black fruit flavors, a spicy undercurrent and a firm tannic structure that will lend to its longevity. The wine concludes with bitter dark chocolate flavors, dark cherry skin essence and elevated alcohol. This wine is smoking at this price. I want more!
This is a solid, dusty blend with chewy tannins, tight and focused, ripe fruit and a long, flavorful finish. This shows cool richness and intensity with dried-herb and tar undertones to the fruit. Give this time to come together and soften.
The 2017 Pirouette checks in as 58% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, 13% Malbec, and the rest Petit Verdot. Gorgeous crème de cassis, crushed flowers, white chocolate, and espresso notes all give way to a full-bodied, thrillingly textured, layered red that has terrific tannins, no hard edges, and a great, great finish. It can be drunk today but will develop additional complexity with 3-4 years of bottle age and keep for two decades or more.