Long Shadows Vintners: 2012 Poet’s Leap, 2009 Saggi, 2009 Chester-Kidder



By Kori ~ June 26th, 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 2012 Poet’s Leap, the 2009 Saggi, and the 2009 Chester-Kidder in a blind samples tasting. All three wines are very good, but we especially enjoyed the Poet’s Leap. It is outstanding and delivers serious bang for your buck.

Poet’s Leap is a Riesling made by Armin Diel of Schlossgut Diel in Germany. Saggi is a Super Tuscan-style blend of Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Syrah, made by Ambrogio and Giovanni Folonari, a father-son winemaking team from Italy. 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.

2012 Poet’s Leap Riesling (Columbia Valley, Washington): Pale straw yellow. Beautiful nose with white peach and floral aromas. White peach, lime, and floral notes come through on the palate. Off-dry and light to medium-bodied with crisp acidity. Well-balanced with a very long, refreshing finish. Residual Sugar: 1.25%
Quality: 4.5 stars (out of 5)
QPR: 5 bangs for your buck (out of 5)
Where to Buy: Received as sample, suggested retail $20

2009 Saggi Red Wine (Columbia Valley, Washington): 62% Sangiovese, 29% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 9% Syrah. Deep, dark purple. Aromatic with plum, oak, and spice on both the nose and palate. Medium to full-bodied with lively acidity, medium tannins, and a long finish.
Quality: 3.5 stars (out of 5)
QPR: 3 bangs for your buck (out of 5)
Where to Buy: Received as sample, suggested retail $45; Available elsewhere, $41 to $44

2009 Chester-Kidder Red Wine (Columbia Valley, Washington): 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 28% Syrah, 17% Petit Verdot, and 5% Cabernet Franc. Aromatic with black cherry, blackberry, oak, and a touch of chocolate on both the nose and palate. Full-bodied with lively acidity, medium to high tannins, and a long, lingering finish.
Quality: 3.5 stars (out of 5)
QPR: 1 bang for your buck (out of 5)
Where to Buy: Received as sample, suggested retail $50


Filed under: American Wine, Five-Bangs For Your Buck Wines, Red Wine, Riesling, Sangiovese, Washington State Wine, White Wine, Wines Over $25, Wines Under $20, Wines Under $25

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