2014 Chester-Kidder - 1.5L

Allen Shoup named this wine in honor of his mother, Elizabeth Chester, and his grandmother, Maggie Kidder. He selected Long Shadows' director of winemaking and viticulture, Gilles Nicault, to craft this New World blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and other classic Bordeaux varieties.

The 2014 vintage enjoyed a picture-perfect growing season that produced rich, flavorful wines. Spring arrived early, warm and dry, setting the stage for another hot summer. Temperatures were consistently warm, hastening an early start to harvest, but the Columbia Valley’s balmy fall days and cool autumn nights slowed ripening just enough to allow the grapes to reach full physiological maturity while preserving the fruits’ natural acidity. 

Select Cabernet Sauvignon lots underwent an extended maceration of 40 days to produced supple tannins that stand up to 30 months of barrel aging in tight-grained French oak barrels (85% new).  The extra time in barrel helped to integrate the fruit, enhance the mid-palate with an extra layer of complexity, and provide an appealing earthiness to the finish.