Among the first recruits by the late Allen Shoup to his Long Shadows project in Walla Walla was Quintessa founder Agustin Huneeus Sr. and that Napa brand’s winemaker — Philippe Melka. They established the Meritage style that Gilles Nicault continues to follow with impeccable craftsmanship, weaving Cabernet Sauvignon (56%), Merlot (33%), Cabernet Franc (6%), Malbec (3%) and Petit Verdot into a Platinum. Components from Sagemoor sites Dionysus and Weinbau join Cab off Red Mountain for heady aromas of black cherry, black currant, light toast and pencil shavings. Age-worthy tannins are wrapped in velvety layers of cassis and Chukar Cherry, joined by underlying savoriness akin to tapenade on crostini, making for a complex and extra-long finish. Qualifying awards: Great Northwest Invitational (best of class/gold)
Rating: Platinum • 91 points
Production: 2,515 cases
Alcohol: 14.8%
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