Red Wine Long Shadows Pirouette 2018. As former President and CEO of Chateau Ste. Michelle, Allen Shoup helped put Washington State on the map for premium winemaking during his 20 year career. In 2003 he decided to strike out on his own with a new project, Long Shadows, which brings together the expertise of many of the world’s top winemakers. The winery focuses on the Columbia Valley and has already been named Winery of the Year” by Food & Wine magazine thanks to the exceptional wines they are producing. A great introduction to the Long Shadows style is this punchy cuvee made by Phillippe Melka who has been named one of the world’s top nine winemakers by Robert Parker. He used small lots from some of Washington’s premier terroirs, blending Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot with a touch of Petit Verdot. Fruit comes from Red Mountain and the Wahluke Slope where conditions are ideally suited to Bordeaux varietals. The nose is charming and expressive with ample notes of deep black fruit like cassis, cherries and ripe plums and undertones of spice and toast from the 22 months of oak ageing. The first sip reveals a punchy full body, firm tannins, and a solid texture leading into rich wild berry flavours on the long, balanced finish.
2018
Red Wine Long Shadows Pirouette 2018
Red Wine Long Shadows Saggi 2018. Thanks to the vision and foresight of founder Allen Shoup, Long Shadows is regarded as one of the most dynamic and exciting producers currently working in the Columbia Valley. Allen worked for Chateau Ste. Michelle for twenty years, helping put Washington on the map for exceptional winemaking. Now his new project collaborates with some of the world’s top winemakers to bring their own flair and talent to this promising corner of the wine world. Although only founded in 2003, the winery has already been named Winery of the Year” by Food & Wine magazine thanks to wines like this charming and unusual Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon blend. Fruit comes from the Candy Mountain vineyard where the warm climate produces rich blackcurrant aromas and plenty of colour, and Boushey vineyard in the Yakima Valley where the cooler conditions preserve plenty of aromatics and freshness. The fruit is all harvested by hand and then fermented in small tanks with some of the juice bled off at the beginning to increase the concentration and intensity. The young wine is then aged in 55% new French oak barrels for 18 months. Bursting with luscious wild berry and dark cherry notes, this punchy red is ideal for cellaring for a few more years or enjoying now with wild game meat or hearty beef dishes.
2018
Red Wine Lothian Vineyards Pinot Noir 2018. The Lothian Vineyards estate is centered around the architectural gem of Lothian House on the banks of the Palmiet River. The Wilson family who own the property spent years searching for the perfect site to craft elegant Burgundian-style wines before discovering this slice of paradise in Elgin. Once an area famed for its apple orchards, Elgin offers the ideal base for producing wines with real finesse and grace thanks to the proximity to the Southern Ocean which moderates the climate. With three generations of grape growing and winemaking behind them, the Wilsons focus on crafting the best wines possible from the exceptional cool climate conditions here. On the nose this sublime Pinot Noir displays subtle notes of dark cherries, sweet spices, and hints of bay leaf. The first sip reveals a medium body, well-balanced tannins, and seductive crushed berry flavours. The wine is aged in 20% new and 80% used oak barrels for 11 months to add complexity and toasty notes to the finished wine. Fresh and elegant in character, this cool climate Pinot Noir is an excellent partner for Italian dishes like fresh pasta served with a rich tomato-based sauce or a generous platter of cheeses and charcuterie.
2018