Long Shadows Pirouette 2018

Hauntingly good, this a stunning new bottling by Philippe Melka. Dense and chewy, once in the mouth, this takes on a glorious range of flavours from sagebrush and pipe tobacco to blackcurrant jelly and chocolate cake. The vibrant sense of tension and silky tannins both add to the enjoyment, as this has a long way to go in the cellar. Drinking window: 2021-2040. Part of Washington 2018 reds: top-scoring wines from Columbia Valley. Score – 96. (Dr. Owen Bargreen, decanter.com, Aug. 7, 2021)