Long Shadows Vintners: 2009 Sequel and 2008 Chester-Kidder



By Kori ~ February 20th, 2013.

Founded by Washington wine pioneer Allen Shoup, Long Shadows Vintners is a collection of ultra-premium wineries comprised of internationally acclaimed winemakers from the major wine regions of the world. Each winemaker is a partner in a unique winery dedicated to producing a single Columbia Valley wine representing a “best of type” that reflects the winemaker’s signature style.

Allen Shoup is considered one of the pioneers of the Washington wine industry. He was the CEO of Stimson Lane wine group for years. During that time, he oversaw their portfolio of wineries, including Chateau Ste. Michelle and Columbia Crest, and forged relationships with many important players in the wine business around the world. Upon retirement, he pursued his dream of bringing some of the most highly acclaimed winemakers from different regions around the world to Washington to make world-class wines from Washington grapes comparable to the wines they make in their native wine regions. The Long Shadows winemaker-partners began crafting their signature wines in 2003.

Through the years, we’ve had the pleasure of tasting a number of Long Shadows wines. Recently, we had the opportunity to taste the 2009 Sequel Syrah and the 2008 Chester-Kidder Red Wine in a blind samples tasting. Both wines are outstanding and, while not inexpensive, they both deliver serious bang for your buck.

Sequel is a Syrah made by John Duval, one of the most famous winemakers in Australia and around the world. He is best known for his work with Penfolds Grange, Australia’s most famous wine, and now owns his own John Duval Wines. Chester-Kidder is a red blend made by winemaker Gilles Nicault and is named for founder Allen Shoup’s grandfather, Charles Chester, and his grandmother, Maggie Kidder.

2009 Sequel Syrah (Columbia Valley, Washington): 99% Syrah and 1% Cabernet Sauvignon. Dark, dense purple. Gorgeous nose with spice, oak, and black fruit aromas. Blackberry, black pepper, and spice come through on the palate. Full-bodied with crisp acidity and medium to high, smooth tannins. Well-balanced with good complexity and a long, lingering finish.
Quality: 4.5 stars (out of 5)
QPR: 5 bangs for your buck (out of 5)
Where to Buy: Received as sample, suggested retail $50; Available elsewhere, $49

2008 Chester-Kidder Red Wine (Columbia Valley, Washington): 61% Cabernet Sauvignon, 29% Syrah, 6% Petit Verdot, and 4% Cabernet Franc. Dark, dense purple in color. Very aromatic with black fruit and smoked meat on the nose. More black fruit and smoked meat as well as spice come through on the palate. Full-bodied with lively acidity and medium to high tannins. Well-balanced and smooth with a very long finish.
Quality: 4.5 stars (out of 5)
QPR: 5 bangs for your buck (out of 5)
Where to Buy: Received as sample, suggested retail $50; Available elsewhere, $44 to $50


Filed under: American Wine, Five-Bangs For Your Buck Wines, Red Wine, Shiraz/Syrah, Washington State Wine, Wines Over $25

Reader's Comments

  1. Troy | February 21st, 2013 at 9:56 am

    I drank the 2006 Chester-Kidder last weekend, and found it to be quite nice. Gilles always does a great job with that wine. The Sequel Syrah is one that I’ve only tried once and I loved it, however I’m kicking myself or not buying any. That may need to be remedied this weekend…

    Kori – Have you been to “The Library” out in Woodinville? They have Long Shadows, Boudreaux and I believe Den Hoed under the one roof. I’ve only been there to pick up some wine, but never to taste. I was wondering if you’d been there to taste and if you had, what you thought about the experience?

  2. Kori | February 22nd, 2013 at 1:11 pm

    Troy,
    Glad to hear that you enjoy the Long Shadows wines too. Hope you are able to get your hands on some Sequel. Yes, I’ve been to The Library a few times. I think that it is a great setting and gives visitors a chance to taste wines from three great wineries. Here’s the link to a post I wrote about DenHoed after a visit to The Library last spring: http://winepeeps.com/2012/04/30/denhoed-wine-estates-gorgeous-red-wines-from-wallula-vineyard/. Cheers!