Washington has a range of up and coming wineries. For years I have admired the wines by Piolet that continue to remain under the radar but over-deliver in quality. These inspired wines show incredible value and are quite simply a joy to drink. Piolet was founded by two mountaineers, Andy Ferguson and Alex Stewart. Andy is a former winemaker at Chateau Ste. Michelle and worked on their best wine, the ‘Single Berry Select’ which is one of the finest dessert wines you will find in North America. Andy also worked at Quilceda Creek prior to devoting all of his time to Piolet. Alex is a former winemaker at Quilceda Creek and has helped craft gobs of 100 point Cabernet Sauvignon.
Piolet has limited production bottlings that scream density and texture. They make an incredible Syrah from the famed Stoneridge vineyard in the Royal Slope AVA. I love the new 2020 Piolet ‘L’Inspiration du Pere’ Syrah (OB, 95) which is dense and heady with lovely stony character and serious stuffing. Just as good is the incredible new 2020 Piolet Cabernet Sauvignon (OB, 95) which shows great concentration from this highly challenging vintage. Learn more at pioletvintners.com Here are the outstanding new wines by Piolet.
2021 Piolet ‘Le Blanc’ Sauvignon Blanc- This oak-barrel aged 100% varietal wine is unctuous and rich with a smooth mouthfeel. Kiwi and cantaloupe flavors combine with shades of starfruit and copious minerals with baking spice laced brioche notes. A joy to drink now, this has bot hthe stuffing and bright acidity for some good aging potential. Drink 2023-2031- 94
2020 Piolet ‘L’Inspiration du Pere’ Syrah- Rich and polished, the outstanding 2020 Piolet ‘L’Inspiration du Pere’ Syrah comes from the famed Stoneridge Vineyard in the Royal Slope AVA. Powerful and sturdy with a soft texture, this yields dense dark and blue fruit flavors with smoked brisket, anise, allspice and shades of chocolate cake. Very hedonistic and delicious, with stony accents and a good mineral backbone, this outstanding 2020 Syrah is one of the best wines of its kind made in this challenging vintage. Savor this beauty now and over the next five to seven years. Drink 2023-2029- 95
2020 Piolet ‘Red Mountain’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2020 Piolet ’Red Mountain’ Cabernet Sauvignon was stored for 24 months in nearly all (90%) new French oak prior to bottling. It takes on a wonderful sense of viscosity and a pillowy texture. Concentrated black cherry and black raspberry favors combine with anise, milk chocolate and sagebrush undercurrents. Complex and delicious, this beauty is shining brightly right now. Drink 2023-2031- 95