A Washington winery with a very high ceiling, Piolet is the brainchild of Andy Ferguson, who is a winemaker at Chateau Ste. Michelle. Andy crafts some very limited production bottlings and I have been really impressed with what I have tried so far. His latest set of release are even more outstanding than the last set of wines I tried roughly two years ago. These are wines that are geared towards texture and mouthfeel sourcing from some outstanding vineyard sites including La Reyna Blanca and Stoneridge. It is worth noting that Andy also worked on the ‘Single Barrel Select’ TBA style wine by Chateau Ste. Michelle which is one of the best wines that I have tasted over the past year.
I love the new 2019 Piolet Sauvignon Blanc (OB, 92) which has amazing texture and depth from the oak barrel regimen, yet shows wonderful verve. Look to the truly sensational 2018 Piolet Cabernet Sauvignon (OB, 94) which completely overdelivers at under 50 bucks. This finesse driven wine shows good depth and concentration from this outstanding vintage. Learn more at pioletvintners.com Here are the outstanding new wines by Piolet.
2019 Piolet Sauvignon Blanc- This is sourced from a small block in the La Reyna Blanca vineyard which is a high elevation, windswept site that is southern facing. The wine was aged in natural oak and stainless steel prior to bottling. The wine is big and unctuous with grapefruit, lychee and passion fruit with lighter green herbs.. Drink 2021-2027- 92
2020 Piolet Sauvignon Blanc (barrel sample)- 89-91
2018 Piolet Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2018 Piolet Cabernet Sauvignon (100%) is sourced from the Quintessence and Shaw Vineyards on Red Mountain as well as the Discovery Vineyard in the Horse Heaven Hills. The nose is very pretty with black rose and blackberry compote as well as tar, black licorice and cigar box tones meld in the glass. The palate is silky and elegant with good viscosity and finesse. Layers of black fruits collide with chocolate covered espresso bean, sagebrush and anise tones. The length and generous texture is outstanding. Drink 2021-2038- 94
2018 Piolet Syrah- The 2018 Piolet Syrah is sourced from the famed ‘Stoneridge Vineyard’ as this is entirely Joseph Phelps clone Syrah from this south-facing site in the Royal Slope AVA. The wine his big and bold with good acidity and shows a beautiful texture. Roasted figs and red cherry puree collide with creosote, smoked pork shoulder and soy sauce undertones all impress. Showing good freshness and finesse, this will provide drinking enjoyment over the next decade. Drink 2021-2029- 93