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deep and concentrated, the 2004 Chester-Kidder is a wine with pure, ripe blackberry and dark chocolate aromas and flavors. rich, lingering tannins coat the palate, giving the wine its vibrant mouth feel and long, satisfying finish.

Varieties

• 58% Cabernet Sauvignon
• 29% Syrah
• 10% Cabernet Franc
• 3% Petit Verdot

Bottle Production

• 750 ml (Standard Bottle): 1792

Vintage Notes

The 2005 growing season was a classic Columbia Valley vintage that produced beautifully balanced, aromatic wines with intense, focused flavors. Spring conditions were mild, but by mid-June temperatures began to rise and stayed quite warm through July and August. The heat backed off just enough in September to ripen fruit without rushing physiological maturity. It was the perfect ending to an ideal vintage that will be remembered as one of the decade’s best. Winemaker Gilles Nicault devotes much of each summer visiting a diverse collection of Columbia Valley vineyards before selecting grapes from some of his favorite blocks to create a richly layered, complex wine. Roughly half the grapes for the ’05 Chester-Kidder were sourced from vineyards in the Tri-Cities, on the Wahluke Slope and a handful of other excellent Columbia Valley sites to give the wine its wonderful structure and densely packed, rich fruit. Yakima Valley grapes (25%) contribute great acidity and vibrant, fresh character. Walla Walla fruit (25%) adds darkness and spice.

Fermentation Notes

Chester-Kidder is a blended red wine styled to showcase Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah, two outstanding Columbia Valley grapes that are excellent blending partners. Cabernet Sauvignon brings structure to the wine; Syrah adds dark fruit and spice. A small amount of Merlot (5%) gives the wine an added layer of complexity and a touch of softness. Aged 30 months in 92% tight-grain French oak, eight percent Hungarian oak to allow the fruit and wood to integrate completely and develop round tannins and richness.

Technical Details

• Total Acidity: 6.1
• Wine pH: 3.77