2014 Chester-Kidder Proprietary Red

Lots of dark and compelling fruit on the nose with licorice and walnut skin. Black pepper and tar. Full body and chewy tannins. Lots of wood and chocolate undertones. Almost sexy. Blend of 66% cabernet sauvignon, 28% syrah and 6% petit verdot. Drink in 2020.

Looking at the 2014 Chester Kidder Red Wine, it's a blend of 66% Cabernet Sauvignon, 28% Syrah, and 6% Petit Verdot that spent 30 months in 85% new French oak. This inky purple-colored beauty offers a rocking bouquet of blackcurrants, scorched earth, and dark chocolate, full-bodied richness, a stacked mid-palate, and ripe, polished tannin. It's a big, rich, age-worthy red that styles impeccably balanced and lively, with notable purity. Count me in as a fan. Another estate that’s been on a roll lately is Alan Shoup’s Long Shadow Vintners, with the wines made/managed by the incredibly talented Gilles Nicault.

Bright red-ruby. Musky, slightly high-toned aromas of dark raspberry, black olive, licorice and smoked meat are lifted by a violet topnote. Wonderfully sweet, densely packed wine with terrific fruit intensity and substantial baby fat. This creamy, horizontal blend finishes plush and long, with serious, broad palate- and tooth-coating tannins, a distinct spiciness and no rough edges. A very harmonious 2014. (ST)