2006 2006 Chester-Kidder

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.

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.

Cellar Selection. 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 density to the tannins.