A bit tannic just after uncorking but smoothed out after an hour. Was still complex and vibrant when we finished the bottle three hours later. This vintage could go another 5-10 years.
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I'm not as excited as previous reviewers. Not much depth, short finish. A little tart. Pleasant enough weeknight cab. I have 2002 and 2003 waiting the wings...
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Completely in its prime, could probably improve for another 5 years, but we thoroughly enjoyed the mellowed tannins, still lively fruit and mature balance.
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This btl. cellared extremely well. Superb flavors & balance. Well worth the wait & doubt would be better by waiting longer. Great complement to a steak tenderloin meal.
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(Chester-Kidder) Box Dear Friends, Long Shadows has received a heap of critical praise lately, mostly for their top 2005 and 2006 portfolio, and we've been offered a few limited wood boxes of the Vintner's Collection (2006) - almost all of these were offered as "winery only" packs but a few have been handed around to retail in the immediate area (as far as I know, none of the packs made it outside of the NW - the winery is already completely sold out of all the 2006's so this is the last of the vintage - they are moving on to 2007 for the red wines). This is a great way to get a feel for this detailed and modern Washington State winery at a price that is below market for each item. Long Shadows has the highest aspirations for all of their wines and they will not be satisfied until their stable is considered the best of its type in the US. Considering the recent acclaim and relative obscurity of these 6-packs, this is a bargain at the mid-upper end (today's Tanzer will only add fuel to the fire - none of the wines in the portfolio received less than 90pts). A wood box was specially made for this set - it is handsomely etched and would be a terrific gift for someone special that enjoys the finest high-impact/fussed over domestic wines. Inside each pack you will receive: 1 - 2006 Pirouette 1 - 2006 Feather 1 - 2006 Pedestal 1 - 2006 Sequel 1 - 2006 Saggi 1 - 2005 Chester-Kidder (CK is always released late, thus the 2005, which was a behemoth vintage in Twice Walla) This is a one-time offer - the winery is giving us approximately 14 hours from now (seriously - 9:00am tomorrow) to take possession of the lot or they are going into their library for release a decade down the road: Long Shadows Vintner's Collection LIMITED wood 6-pack (focus: 2006) Thank you, Jon Rimmerman Garagiste Seattle, WA WA9970
(Long Shadows Chester-Kidder Columbia Valley) Lots of anise seed and a bit of funk on the nose. Fairly dry and very tart. Needs time. 55% Cabernet; 40% Syrah; 5% Merlot. 14.7% alcohol. 1,586 cases produced.
(Long Shadows Chester-Kidder Columbia Valley) A bold wine with dark fruit, spice and an expressive palate marked by black licorice, a solid tannin profile, and a pleasing tartness. 55% Cabernet; 40% Syrah; 5% Merlot. 14.7% alcohol. 1,586 cases produced.
(CHESTER KIDDER) Chester Dear Friends, We're becoming a regular outlet for Washington State wine (not really) and this time it's a wine that is probably the best new release from this winery to date. The 2004 version of this wine received a 93 or 94 in the WA and the 2005 makes mince meat of that offering - Tanzer just penned a review of the 2005 and he was clearly as enthusiastic as I am. While expensive, this wine is competing at a very high level in the Cabernet playfield and it would run circles around many California entrants at a far higher price. Maybe it's the sneaky addition of Syrah in the blend (which adds the note of wisteria mentioned in the review below) but the broad impression is one of first-class winemaking and fruit for a price-level that has (somehow) become moderate. This is not a dead, over-oaked wine - it's alive with an energy absent from the last few bottlings of this cuvee and it's noticeable from the first sip. It's obvious the winery was not amused that their flagship (this) received less critical praise in the past than their other wines and they made sure that didn't happen with the 2005 - they're out to make a statement with this wine and it is a resounding one. Seriously impressive stuff: ONE SHIPMENT ONLY of the 2005 directly from the cellars at Long Shadows (we only have 10% or our normal allocation this year): 2005 Chester-Kidder (Long Shadows) (I'm sure we are not the lowest price on this but I have no idea - there is not a lot to go around this year) This wine will be available for local pick up in 2-3 weeks and will ship during the first available shipping window - if the current cold continues, it will be in the spring but we'll keep close tabs on it (weather permitting). Thank you, Jon Rimmerman Garagiste Seattle, WA WA5600
NOTE: Some content is property of Vinous and Garagiste and Washington Wine Report.
12/26/2023 - jcj wrote: 93 Points
A bit tannic just after uncorking but smoothed out after an hour. Was still complex and vibrant when we finished the bottle three hours later. This vintage could go another 5-10 years.
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5/20/2022 - redz wrote: 90 Points
I'm not as excited as previous reviewers. Not much depth, short finish. A little tart. Pleasant enough weeknight cab. I have 2002 and 2003 waiting the wings...
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10/14/2021 - otomgg Likes this wine: 94 Points
Completely in its prime, could probably improve for another 5 years, but we thoroughly enjoyed the mellowed tannins, still lively fruit and mature balance.
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3/4/2021 - Jetjock wrote: 93 Points
This btl. cellared extremely well. Superb flavors & balance. Well worth the wait & doubt would be better by waiting longer. Great complement to a steak tenderloin meal.
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12/12/2020 - fitchbuck Likes this wine: 92 Points
Very dark, with good spices. Perhaps would have been more interesting several years ago ... but if you like them fully resolved, look no further.
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