Long Shadows

April 19, 2007

MAWL Wines presented a "Long Shadows" tasting this evening. Quite a unique concept. Apparently this gentleman, (can't remember his name) came up with the idea of having well known winemakers come to his facility and make wine from grapes of various well known vineyards in the state of Washington. These were all bottled under various labels. All the wines we had this evening were good, but my favorites were , Pirouette and Sequel and the Poets Leap.

2005 Poets Leap Riesling ($17) - an off dry Reisling which could be mistaken for a Gerwurztraminer. It had a long, clean finish and beautiful notes of apricots. Made by Armin Diel of Schlossgut Diel

2004 Pedestal Merlot ($46) - Merlot with a little Cabernet Sauvignon, Cab Franc, & Petit Verdot. Very concentrated wine, beautiful color, hint of spice and intense berry . Made by Michel Rolland . Works with top Bordeaux producers and Bryant, Harlan & Sloan in Napa.

2004 Pirouette Meritage + Sryrah ($46). A blend of 49% Cab, 27% Merlot, 13% Petit Verdot and 11% Syrah. This wine just lingered in you mouth. Luscious and well structured. Made by Philipe Melka and Augustin Huneeus. Petrus, Haut-Brion and Quintessa, Hundred Acres, Vineyard 29, Dominus & Caldwell in Napa. Veramonte in Chile.

2003 Chester Kidder Meritage + Syrah ($45). 38% Cab, 26% Syrah, 15% Merlot, 5% Malbec & 2% Petit Verdot. Dark fruit, soft tannins hint of chocolate. Round and balanced. Made by Gilles Nicault of Woodward Canyon.

2004 Saggi, Sangiovese Blend ($41) 35 % Sangovese, 35% Cabernet, 16% Syrah and 14% Barbera. . Deep black cherry with hints a vanilla and spice. Made by Ambrogio & Giovanni Folonari of Folonari Winery & Ruffino in Tusany.

2004 Sequel ($50). 97 % Syrah and 3% Cabernet Sauvignon. Black fruit with a touch of vanilla. Long finish, extremely well balanced. Made by John Duvel (He made Penfolds Grange for 15 years)