2016 2016 Chester-Kidder

An interesting blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Syrah, and the rest Petit Verdot, all aged 30 months in 85% new French oak. Jammy blackberries, cassis, graphite, scorched earth, and crushed flower notes all emerge from the glass, and it's full-bodied, with a layered, opulent texture, subtle vanilla oak, and a great finish. It's a beautiful, powerful yet impeccably balanced wine that will evolve for 15-20 years.

This Bordeaux-inspired red blend has a rich, ripe array of dark berries that are framed in a sweetly spicy oak and delivered in a seamless style that is a hallmark of this producer. Such long and noble tannins. Impressive wine.

The 2016 Chester-Kidder begins with a dense and chewy nose, opening to concentrated black fruit and dark red fruit aromas with dusty black pepper and dried herbs that waft out of the glass with inky resinous purple flowers and lifting oak spices. Full-bodied, the wine is generous with a chewy mouthfeel and firm tannins that tighten on the mid-palate before lingering with a long, drawn-out finish. Leaving behind flavors of bitter dark chocolate, black spice, sticky currants and cassis, there is a lasting flavor of smoked blackberries that recline on the tongue. This is delicious stuff but keep it a couple more years in the wine cellar before opening. Patience will be rewarded.