Massive Washington Reds --- Long Shadow's Chester Kidder & Buty Rediviva

Super-premium wines made by the world's most famous winemakers using Washington State grapes- that's the story behind Long Shadows. Randy Dunn, Michel Rolland, Augustin Huneeus, John Duval, and Ambrogio & Giovanni Folonari are some of the winemakers. We've featured their wines in these emails, with names like "Feather", "Pirouette", and "Pedestal". Now, here's

Chester Kidder Red 03 $47.25/$52.50
http://www.northwest-wine.com/Chester-Kidder-Red-Wine.html

Chester Kidder is made by resident winemaker Gilles Nicault and owner/founder/visionary Allen Shoup. It's named for Allen and his grandmother, and it's his personal wine from the company portfolio. It's a blend of 38% Cabernet Sauvignon, 29% Syrah, 14% Merlot, 12% Cabernet Franc, 5% Malbec, and 2% Petit Verdot, all grown in Washington State.

How's the wine? In our opinion, really extraordinary. Black cherry, blackberry, and juicy black fruit are present in both scent and flavor, with hints of graham, white jasmine, roses and violets in the nose. Extreme huge fruit flavors are balanced with well integrated but clearly present tannins, with a streak of black fruit liqueur-like flavors in the long finish. Hedonistically delightful and a real crowdpleaser, even a crowd of quite experienced wine lovers.

The winery says: 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.

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.

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.

Also out this week is the equally huge and satisfying

Buty Rediviva Columba Valley 03 $35.96/$39.95
http://www.northwest-wine.com/Buty-Winery-Rediviva-Columbia-2003.html

Buty Winery's Rediviva 03 is 100% Champoux Vineyard fruit, it's a must-have for our many Champoux Vineyard devotees. Marcus says: Buty is aptly named, as this tiny Walla Walla winery churns out beautiful blends. Tasted a few months before release, the 2003 Columbia Rediviva showed intense aromas of violets and spicy vanilla notes that made you want to jump into the glass. Once again Champoux Vineyard reveals it's impeccable fruit core of sweet black cherry, with bits of ripe plum and blackberry. The Rediviva's lush mouthfeel and firm tannins make it a great match for heartier foods or for those who like rich, intense reds. This was a standout among dozens of wines tasted! Hugely rich, aged over a year in bottle, this wine has "come together and integrated. It's smoother and more refined, " says Caleb Foster, Buty winemaker and co-owner with wife Nina Buty Foster.

Marcus, Chris, Kevin, and Wendy, and Jean
541-752-7418

Avalon Wine
201 SW 2nd Street
Corvallis OR 97333
541-752-7418
www.avalonwine.com
store@avalonwine.com

Marcus Looze
Manager
marcus@avalonwine.com
541-752-7418

Chris Haggerty
Customer Service
store@avalonwine.com
541-752-7418

Jean Yates
Owner
jean@avalonwine.com
541-424-8004 (direct line)

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