Long Shadows Pirouette Meritage 2009 is made with 57% Cabernet Sauvignon, 27% Merlot, 13% Cabernet Franc, 3% Malbec.

Winemaking: Despite an accelerated harvest that seemingly ripened grapes across all varieties simultaneously, Long Shadows’ winery was designed with maximum capacity in mind for years like 2009; and as a result, winemakers were able to pick grapes at perfect ripeness, without compromise. Once at the winery, Pirouette’s lots underwent a variety of fermentation techniques to enhance each component of this multi-layered blend. Cabernet Sauvignon was fermented with native yeasts in 400L oak barrels that were gently rolled to impart structure and richness, without bitterness. The remaining grapes were fermented in traditional stainless steel tanks, with select lots enjoying longer skin contact to enhance the wine’s dark color and rich mid-palate. Aged 22 months in French oak, 75% new. Bottled unfined and unfiltered.
Vintage: The 2009 vintage produced wines with deep color, concentration and richness. The growing season started a bit cooler and wetter than usual, but by July temperatures warmed considerably and stayed warm from veraison throughout harvest. Because spring was cool, the decision was made to drop extra fruit early in the season to ensure uniform ripening. With low yields and summer’s consistent, warm temperatures, the grapes ripened quickly and evenly sparking one of the earliest and fastest harvests on record.
Tasting Notes: The 2009 Pirouette offers vibrant aromas of black cherry, violets, and incense that leap from the glass. Ripe currant flavors, hints of black olive, roasted coffee bean and vanilla nuances provide layers of depth, with excellent structure and polished tannins contributing to its lengthy finish. 

"Refined and elegant, it is precisely structured, with a firm herbal attack and a perfect blend of berry and cassis flavors. It's dense, deep and compact, suggesting long aging ahead. - P.G. (2/1/2012)"
- Wine Enthusiast (February 1st 2012), 95 pts + CELLAR SELECTION

"Deep, bright medium ruby. Ripe, inviting aromas of cassis, black raspberry, blackberry and black licorice. Large-scaled, sweet and rich; wonderfully glossy in the mouth, with concentrated dark fruit flavors complemented by a strong element of sweet oak. This big boy finished with lovely lingering perfume, excellent length and terrific tannic grip."
- Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar (February 1st 2012), 93+ pts