Chester-Kidder Red Blend 2003
Bordeaux Red Blends
from Columbia Valley, Washington
winemaker's notes:
Tasting Notes: Vibrant blackberry aromas are enhanced by hints of chocolate and mocha. Rich and complex, the mouth feel is round and balanced with lush, soft tannins. A lengthy finish lingers with a seamless impression of dark fruit.
Vintage: Collectors who enjoy big, rich, fruit-forward wines will find Columbia Valley's 2003 vintage to their liking. This was one of Washington's warmest seasons on record with overall heat accumulation rivaling the high numbers posted in 1998. Temperatures were warm from June to August, allowing grapes to reach an exceptional level of maturity. In short, it was a wonderful vintage from start to finish.
Winemaking: Chester-Kidder is a hand-crafted blend of classic red Bordeaux varietals and Syrah, styled for complexity and elegance. Fermented in small lots and aged 27 months in tight-grain French oak, winemaker Gilles Nicault and Long Shadows founder Allen Shoup, selected a diverse collection of Columbia Valley's finest vineyards to create a layered wine with ripe fruit character that is reflective of the vintage.
Vineyards: The 2003 Chester-Kidder represents a diverse collection of select Columbia Valley vineyards, all farmed for low yields, resulting in a rich, multi-dimensional blend. Cabernet Sauvignon from the old vines at Sagemoor Vineyards, near Pasco, contributes complexity and deep flavors to the wine; Cabernet from Weinbau Vineyard on theWahluke Slope gives the wine rich tannins; Walla Walla Syrah adds dark, lush flavors.
critical acclaim:
"The 2003 Chester-Kidder Red Wine is a blend of six varieties, 38% Cabernet Sauvignon, 29% Syrah, and the balance Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, and Petit Verdot. The wine is made by Gilles Nicault who is also the winemaker in residence at Long Shadows. The wine was aged for 27 months in 95% new French oak. Opaque purple-colored, the wine exhibits a fragrant perfume of pain grille, pencil lead, black currant, and blackberry liqueur. This is followed by a layered, spicy wine with gobs of complex blue and black fruit flavors, soft tannins, and plenty of depth in its lush personality. The well-concealed structure should allow for 3-5 years of further development and the wine should drink well through 2030. "
91 Points
The Wine Advocate
"Ruby-red. Cassis and bitter chocolate on the nose, with a suggestion of candied berries. Sweet, dense and broad, with expressive flavors of plum, cassis, chocolate and licorice. Very rich and chocolatey on the back end, finishing with dusty tannins and good fat fruit. Lovely wine. This spent 27 months in French oak."
91 Points
International Wine Cellar
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