2006 Chester kidder - 93 Points “Excellent bright ruby-red. Deep aromas of blackcurrant, licorice, spices and leather. Suave on entry, then primary, deep and sweet, with a penetrating quality to the rich dark berry, spice and mint flavors. This one has a tightly coiled spring and underlying minerality that suggest it will be long-lived. Finishes clenched in a positive way, with a rising finish and broad, integrated tannins."

2006 Chester kidder - 93 Points "A rich smoky savory nose, reminiscent of Bolgheri, with spicy berry notes and bits of mocha beans.  The mid-palate is classier, the tannins softer and the fruit flavors more exposed and a lot of black berry jam, cassis and vanilla.  The fruit is sourced from major vineyard tours of Washington hot spots."

Red Mountain and nearby Candy Mountain enjoy some of the highest heat units in the Columbia Valley. Carefully selected grapes from these two vineyards make-up approximately 40% of the Chester-Kidder blend, giving the wine its backbone and rich, ripe tannins. Walla Walla fruit (16%) contributes appealing blackberry jam flavors. Stillwater Creek Vineyard contributes to the wine’s pure aromas and balance. Grapes from 27 Benches (formerly known as Wallula Vineyard) in Horse Heaven Hills (15%) add complexity and concentration due to low yields and meticulous vineyard practices. Cabernet Franc from Weinbau Vineyard on the Wahluke Slope (9%) provide beautiful structure and refined tannins.

 

 
Gilles Nicault left the University of Avignon with a four year degree in Viticulture and Enology. He honed his craft in the fabled hillside vineyards and wineries of Cote Du Rhone, Provence and Champagne. Then, already a vintner of rising fame, Gilles traveled to America. He wanted to see for himself if reports of outstanding noble grapes from the eastern slopes of Washington state were indeed true.
 
His tour took him to the Staton Hills Winery of Yakima Valley in 1994, to Woodward Canyon in 1996, and included a stint at the Hogue Winery. He soon became part of the prestigious community of Washington enologists and winemakers.
 
Gilles discovered that he and Rick Small, owner of Woodward Canyon, shared the same philosophy and passion in producing world class wines, and in 1999 he was appointed as the head of Enology and Production of Woodward Canyon.
 
But it was in the vineyards of southern France where Gilles developed his deep convictions regarding the science of grape growing, and the profound role it plays in winemaking.
 
“Wines are made in the vineyard and only an excellent relationship between grower and winemaker allows the crafting of outstanding wines that reflect their terroir,” he explains.
 
Gilles has a passion for knowledge, and has shaped his career path to achieve maximum growth through exposure to new ideas. "Rick (Small) brought so much originality and creativity to wine making - and he was so open and generous with his knowledge – I will always pay homage to him. His willingness to support my decision to join Long Shadows is evident of the generous and gracious style of this man."
 
It was only natural that Gilles would want to join Allen Shoup’s state-of-the-art Long Shadows team. It is here where he will complete his search for the secrets of the world's most exceptional wines as he works alongside some of the world’s greatest winemakers. His exposure to their craftsmanship, with specific grape varieties and classic wine styles, allows him to perfect his own signature work with the Chester-Kidder winery.
 
Gilles is married to Winemaker Marie-Eve Gilla of Forgeron Cellars, a highly accredited winemaker in her own right.