This 12th edition of this Left Bank Bordeaux-style blend still showcases the teamwork of the talented Gilles Nicault in Walla Walla and Napa Valley star Phillippe Melka, whose path to a degree in geology at the University of Bordeaux led him to a master’s in enology. For Pirouette, they continue to source Cabernet Sauvignon (57%) from Red Mountain while adding muscle from Petit Verdot (18%) off Dionysus Vineyard and Merlot (17%) from Weinbau on the Wahluke Slope. Then, the 22 months in 75% new French oak yields lots of toast that leads to dried blueberry, black cherry and pomegranate with a sprinkling of chalkboard dust elegance. Assertive yet fine-grained tannins provide enjoyable grip and cellar-worthy opulence. While the 2015 is about to be released, this will be the one found on wine lists.
Rating: Excellent
Production: 2,010 cases
Alcohol: 15.4%
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