2006 Chester-Kidder - 1.5L
Allen Shoup named this wine in honor of his grandfather, Charles Chester, and his grandmother, Maggie Kidder. He has a purpose in mind; a vision really, and that is to make a wine that says, "this is how good Washington wine can be." Allen selected Gilles Nicault, former winemaker for Woodward Canyon, to bring the vision to fruition.
Aromas of dried figs andcocoa powder, along with hints of tamarind and toasty oak are followed by intense violet and blueberry jam flavors beautifully integrated around a spicy core.
93 POINTS - WINE ADVOCATE
| Download Wine Notes |
| Vintage | 2006 |
| Varietal | Red Blend |
| Varietal Composition | 45% Cabernet Sauvignon
36% Syrah
10% Petit Verdot
9% Cabernet Franc |
| Appellation | Columbia Valley |
| Acid | 0.60g/100ml |
| PH | 3.75 |
| Aging | Drink now through 2026 |
| Alcohol | 14.90% |
| Wine Style | Red Wine |
| Volume | 1.5 liter |
2006 CHESTER-KIDDER - 93 POINTS
“The 2006 Chester-Kidder Red Wine is produced by Gilles Nicault, resident winemaker who also oversees the daily upbringing of all the Long Shadows wines. The latest Chester-Kidder is composed of 45% Cabernet Sauvignon, 36% Syrah, 10% Petit Verdot, and 9% Cabernet Franc sourced from multiple AVAs. Medium purple-colored, it sports an inviting perfume of sandalwood, smoke, spice box, lavender, blueberry, and blackberry. The Syrah component gives it a forward personality but there is enough structure for several years of further development. Layered, savory, and concentrated, this lengthy effort will offer a drinking window extending from 2013 to 2027."
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2006 CHESTER-KIDDER - 93 POINTS
“Excellent bright ruby-red. Deep aromas of blackcurrant, licorice, spices and leather. Suave on entry, then primary, deep and sweet, with a penetrating quality to the rich dark berry, spice and mint flavors. This one has a tightly coiled spring and underlying minerality that suggest it will be long-lived. Finishes clenched in a positive way, with a rising finish and broad, integrated tannins."
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2006 CHESTER-KIDDER - 93 POINTS
"A rich smoky savory nose, reminiscent of Bolgheri, with spicy berry notes and bits of mocha beans. The mid-palate is classier, the tannins softer and the fruit flavors more exposed and a lot of black berry jam, cassis and vanilla. The fruit is sourced from major vineyard tours of Washington hot spots."
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2006 CHESTER-KIDDER - 92 POINTS
“It has a feminine grace and softness in the aromas, a lovely mix of flowers and spice. The Syrah brightens up the fruit, accenting berry flavors with a hint of pepper, while the Petit Verdot adds clover and violet aromas and destiny to the tannins." - Cellar Selection
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Red Mountain and nearby Candy Mountain enjoy some of the highest heat units in the Columbia Valley. Carefully selected grapes from these two vineyards make-up approximately 40% of the Chester-Kidder blend, giving the wine its backbone and rich, ripe tannins. Walla Walla fruit (16%) contributes appealing blackberry jam flavors. Stillwater Creek Vineyard contributes to the wine’s pure aromas and balance. Grapes from The Benches (formerly known as Wallula Vineyard) in Horse Heaven Hills (15%) add complexity and concentration due to low yields and meticulous vineyard practices. Cabernet Franc from Weinbau Vineyard on the Wahluke Slope (9%) provide beautiful structure and refined tannins.
Gilles Nicault has served as director of winemaking and viticulture since Long Shadows inception in 2003. As resident winemaker overseeing daily operations at Long Shadows' state-of-the-art winery in Walla Walla, Gilles works with a group of celebrated vintners from around the globe. It is his job to ensure that each winemaker's vision is realized in the vineyard and the cellar.
While many winemakers would find this proposition a daunting task, French-born Nicault describes the position as his "dream job." Those who know Gilles best say it is his insatiable curiosity and desire to learn something new every day as well as his winemaking skills that make him uniquely qualified for the position. In addition to executing daily operations at the winery, Gilles is the winemaker for Long Shadows' acclaimed Chester-Kidder, a Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah blend that carries his signature.
Gilles grew up in southern France and graduated from the University of Avignon with a degree in Viticulture and Enology. He honed his craft in the fabled hillside vineyards and wineries of Cotes Du Rhone, Provence and Champagne. On 1994, already a vintner of rising fame in his homeland, Gilles traveled to Washington State to expand his winemaking skills.
Impressed by Washtington State's vineyards and the opportunity to be part of a growing wine community, he stayed in the Columbia Valley, working for Staton Hills and Hogue Cellars before joining Woodward Canyon in 1996, where he stayed until moving to Long Shadows in June 2003. Sharing Woodward Canyon's passion for world-class wine, Gilles soon found Woodward Canyon's founder Rick Small was his ideal mentor and biggest champion. In 1999, Woodward Canyon named Gilles head of enology and production.
Gilles is married to winemaker Marie-Eve Gilla of Forgeron Cellars, also an acclaimed winemaker. The couple llves in Walla Walla with their two children.
