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| Agustin Huneeus and Philippe Melka
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Philippe Melka and
Agustin Huneeus, Sr. teamed to combine the traditions of old world
winemaking, the advancements of new world technology, and small lots from
Washington State’s finest vineyards to craft this enticing red blend.
Tasting Notes: Deep and dark in color, this unfiltered and
unfined wine offers a generous spectrum of aromas and flavors including black
cherry, sweet spices and a hint of earth. The mouthfeel is silky and refined
with a rich core of ripe fruit that provides a lengthy finish.
Vintage: The 2006 Pirouette is a powerful, hedonistic wine
that reflects the quality of the vintage. The growing season started warm and
stayed that way through August, creating concern that the grapes would ripen
too quickly. Fortunately, temperatures cooled just enough in September and
October to slow ripening and allow the grapes to reach full physiological
maturity under sunny autumn skies.
Winemaking: Long Shadows partners Agustin Huneeus, Sr. and
Philippe Melka craft Pirouette in the vineyard, working with a select group of
growers to keep yields low and ensure grapes are picked at the perfect time.
Once at the winery, grapes are hand-sorted and only the highest quality
clusters undergo a controlled fermentation on the skins to produce optimal
color and tannin extraction before aging 22 months in 70% new French oak.
Bottled in early August 2008, the wine was allowed extra bottle age to enhance
concentration and complexity before release.
Vineyards: After working with a diverse collection of Columbia
Valley vineyards over the last four vintages, Philippe now has a handful of
preferred sites that yield rich, ripe grapes that support the wine style he and
Agustin set out to produce. Nearly a quarter of the Cabernet Sauvignon in this
wine is from the Wahluke Slope, selected for its tannin structure and ripe
fruit character; Cabernet from Sagemoor’s old vines planted in 1972 adds
another layer of structure and depth. Merlot from Wallula Vineyard gives the
wine beautiful red fruit flavor, freshness and balance. Petit Verdot from
Dionysus Vineyard, dark and lively with pleasant tannins, provides backbone and
an added layer of complexity.
Alcohol: 14.6%
pH: 3.93
TA: 0.53 grams/100ml
Blend:
54% Cabernet Sauvignon
20% Merlot
15% Petit Verdot
6% Cabernet Franc
5% Syrah
Release date: May 2009
Production: 1,733 cases
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