2010 Long Shadows Pirouette Red

In need of short-term cellaring, the 2010 Red Wine Pirouette, made by Philippe Melka out of Napa Valley, is a blend of 59% Cabernet Sauvignon, 31% Merlot and 10% Petit Verdot that spent 22 months in 100% French oak. Offering ripe, toasty notes of smoked earth, herbs, chocolate and assorted black fruits, it is medium-bodied, firm and focused on the palate, with great acidity and edgy tannin. It’s a classy, elegant and age-worthy Bordeaux blend that should evolve positively for 3-4 years and have 10-12 years of ultimate longevity. Drink now-2022. Producing their first vintage in 2003 and created by Alan Shoup, who was formerly the CEO of Ste. Michelle Wine Estates, Long Shadow was founded on the idea of bringing world class winemakers to Washington State to make their own top cuvee. Each winemaker gets full control over all aspect of the winemaking and is involved throughout the growing season as well. In addition to the wines reviewed here, I was also able to taste a full lineup of their initial 2003 releases, all of which were in fine form and still youthful. www.longshadows.com