Stellar Wines Under $100 - Robb Report

This would also seem like a good time to take another look at tactics for finding great West Coast bottles...wines that drink like they're over that $100 mark but in fact are under and that don't necessarily warrant years in your cellar. These bottles beg to be popped open any night of the week.

Long Shadows Vintners is the best place possible to find wines from the world's top winemakers outside their home bases. The company’s partners include John Duval (think Penfolds’ Grange), Michel Rolland (hard to know what reference to use, among dozens available), and Napa’s own Randy Dunn (of Caymus fame, as well as his own label), all working with Long Shadows’ talent on the ground, Gilles Nicault. The consultant behind Pirouette is Philippe Melka, and the wine is a stellar Bordeaux blend, leading with Cabernet Sauvignon but including the other four varieties as well. Not afraid to show a savory side, the nose offers an earthy, minerally character, with resiny herbs, anise, and cassis. The palate is generous with its gamut of ripe fruit—cherry and mixed berry—mocha, and oak spice.

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