2014 Dance Chardonnay
Fermented and aged for 9 months in 20% new and 30% neutral French Oak barrels, and 50% in a French egg-shaped, concrete tank.
Allen and Gilles share an affinity for Chardonnay and they have experimented for several years to perfect the style found in this wine. Elegant and layered with flavors and aromas of white peaches and baked apples complimented by hints of minerality and wet stone. Pure and balanced, it displays an impressive vibrant mouthfeel while staying rich and complex on the palate. Only 175 cases produced.
| Vintage | 2014 |
| Varietal | Chardonnay |
| Varietal Composition | 100% Chardonnay |
| Appellation | Columbia Valley |
| Acid | 0.6 grams / 100ml |
| PH | 3.57 |
| Alcohol | 14.80% |
| Volume | 750 ml |
2014 DANCE - 90 POINTS
"Made from 100% Chardonnay that spent nine months in 20% new French oak, 30% in neutral barrels and the remaining 50% in concrete eggs, the 2014 Dance Chardonnay packs some serious richness, yet stays clean and fresh on the palate, with medium-bodied weight and texture. Giving up notes of buttered fruits, white peach and white flowers, it should drink nicely for 2-3 years."
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2014 DANCE - EXCELLENT RATING
"This latest edition from Kaiser Vineyard shows considerably less influence of wood, starting with clean and bright aromas of apple, pineapple and the minerality often found in the Horse Heaven Hills. There's no disappointment to the drink, which includes some lychee notes as well as white peach, capped by more of that pleasing minerality."
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Grapes for the 2014 Dance Chardonnay were 100% sourced from the Kaiser Vineyard at The Benches (Wallula) in Horse Heaven Hills AVA.
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 wilves in Walla Walla with their two children.
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other vintages.
2015
2014
