CHESTER-KIDDER 2019 Cabernet/Syrah Blend
(62% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Syrah, 3% Petit Verdot)
Columbia Valley, Washington
WINEMAKER – Gilles Nicault
This wine is a partnership with Gilles Nicault who is now the on-site winemaker who oversees all of the Long Shadows projects. After earning degrees in Viticulture and Enology at the University of Avignon and honing his craft in the vineyards and wineries of Cote Du Rhone, Provenc, and Champagne Gilles was drawn to Washington State by reports of outstanding noble grapes. Gilles worked his way up in Washington to head of Enology and Production of Woodward Canyon in 1999. It was only natural that Gilles would want to join Allen Shoup’s state-of-the-art Long Shadows team. It is there he will complete his search for the secrets of the world’s most exceptional wines as he works alongside some of the world’s greatest winemakers. His exposure to their craftsmanship, with specific grape varieties and classic wine styles, allows him to perfect his own signature work with the Chester-Kidder winery.
VINEYARD
Summit View Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon from the Walla Walla Valley brings classic Cabernet aromas, flavors, and a textured mouthfeel to this rich, multi-layered wine. Candy Mountain Syrah adds structure and layers of sweet spice. Dionysus Vineyard Petit Verdot completes the blend by adding balanced acidity and dark fruit character that lifts the finished wine.
Vintage Notes: The 2019 vintage produced excellent red wines of exceptional quality and consistency. The season started slowly. Unexpected late winter snow held on until mid-March, and as a result, soils were slow to warm; April bud break was delayed, but by May, the temperatures climbed to accelerate bloom. Summer weather was mild with no heat spikes, and the temperatures stayed moderate into the fall. Grapes ripened slowly, but the pace allowed the fruit to reach full physiological maturity, resulting in a vintage notable for its fresh, elegant style.
CELLAR
Premier lots of Cabernet Sauvignon underwent extended maceration to produce intense color and flavor. Tight-grain Sansaud and Le Grand French oak barrels (85% new) were selected to stand up to extended time in barrel and to enhance the wine’s spiciness and refined texture. The extra time in barrels ensured the fruit was fully integrated and added an extra layer of complexity to the mid-palate. Supple and flavorful on release, this wine will also reward those who choose to cellar it.
ACCOLADES
95 points – Jeb Dunnuck
94 points – Wine Advocate
94 points – Wine Enthusiast
93+ points – Antonio Galloni’s Vinous Media
LS – Chester Kidder 2019 – Tech Sheet
LS – Chester Kidder 2019 – POS
LS – Chester Kidder 2017 – Tech Sheet
LS – Chester Kidder 2017 – POS
LS – Chester Kidder 2016 – POS
LS – Chester Kidder 2015 – POS
LS – Chester Kidder 2014 – POS
LS – Chester Kidder 2013 – POS