2004 Long Shadows "Chester Kidder", Columbia Valley, Washington state $47, 14.7%
Poured this dark, rich wine to husband Bob who said "cab blend" after his first sip then "no, it's syrah" after his second. Pretty dead-on since it is in fact a cabernet blend with syrah as a significant component, a combination he's unaware of us owning any of so of course his thoughts lean toward either/or, not both at the same time. It is in fact 58% cab, 29% syrah, and 10% merlot with a splash of petit verdot (this mix changes with each vintage, the 05 has 40% syrah and no CF or PV). The Long Shadows series of wines is the new career of Chateau Ste. Michelle's founder and ex-owner, Allen Shoup, wherein Allen invited a bunch of famous winemakers from around the world to create their own label for the series using Washington fruit. Michel Rolland, Randy Dunn and Philippe Melka, for instance, have their own winery-within-the-winery. This one is Allen Shoup's own pet project, named for his grandparents, with former Woodward Canyon winemaker Gilles Nicault. 1,797 cases were made.
Not aired or decanted. Impressive fruit and structure, full bodied but svelte, it leads with rich, mouth-filling blackberry, plum and mocha flavors and finishes with rounded black cherry and malt. Brief notes of tobacco and black pepper give some complexity, and fine-grained tannins give great balance and elegance. Don't see this as a long-hauler, though perhaps I'm blinded by the not-unsubstantial oak. I'd guess it will reach it's best over the next 2-4 years. I'll revisit in 2.