The 2005 Chester Kidder Red Wine is made by Gilles Nicault who is also the winemaker in residence at Long Shadows. It is a blend of 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Syrah, and 5% Merlot. It was aged for 30 months in 90% new, French and Hungarian oak. Opaque purple-colored, it reveals an alluring nose of brooding black fruit, pencil lead, mineral, and spice box. Round and ripe on the palate, it borders on opulence while concealing enough tannin to support another 6-8 years of cellaring. The sweet, savory fruit carries through into the lengthy finish. Drink this superb effort from 2013 to 2026. For the third straight year, every wine in this portfolio has achieved an outstanding rating. For this, the credit goes to Alan Shoup who put it all together and Gilles Nicault who handles the winemaking on a day-to-day basis. Long Shadows is the brainchild of Alan Shoup, former longtime CEO of Stimson Lane. It is a consortium of seven different labels, each with its own star winemaker who has a 25% share in the brand. The concept is that each “?is dedicated to producing a single Columbia Valley wine representing a ‘best of type’ that reflects the winemaker’s signature style.” Tel. (509) 526-0905; www.longshadows.com

The blend is 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Syrah and 5% Merlot; the fruit is sourced from vineyards scattered throughout eastern Washington. Velvety and supple, this is a modulated mix of bright, sassy blackberry and currant fruit, spiced up with the peppery highlights of Syrah. The effect is to move it solidly into the Australian camp, which makes perfect sense, for nowhere else in the New World do these two grapes sync up so well. Vanilla and espresso streaks enhance the finish.——P.G.(5/1/2009)—— 91