At a glance

Producer

Long Shadows Vintners

Region

Columbia Valley, Washington, USA

Grape variety

Red Blend (primarily Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Petit Verdot, Merlot)

Wine type

Red

Body

Full-bodied and Bold

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

$55-$75 USD (2024 secondary market)

Tasting profile

Black cherry, cassis, plum, cedar, crushed stone, espresso, integrated oak, hints of graphite and dried herbs.

Evolution: Initial fruit power mellowed to refined secondary notes (cedar, leather, spice), balanced finish.

At peak: Full complexity of bouquet and flavor integration; polished tannins supporting persistent finish.

Structure

Acidity

Medium, supports freshness and balance

Tannins

Medium to medium-plus, fully integrated

Alcohol

14.5% ABV (typical vintage)

Aging potential

Another 2-4 years at peak under good storage, gentle decline thereafter (to ~2030).

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2020 to 2025

Optimal window

2017 to 2027

Current status

Drinking well now; at or near peak depending on storage.

Current condition

Fully mature bouquet with some secondary and tertiary development; vibrant palate with resolved tannins.

Chester Kidder is known for moderate extraction and significant new French oak, yielding a robust wine built to age for 10-15 years. The 2012 vintage is classic, combining structure and ripe fruit, now showing peak integration.

Food pairing

Grilled lamb, rosemary beef, mushroom risotto, aged hard cheeses.

Serving

Decant

Not required

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 6/10

Long Shadows sources fruit from trusted growers in the Columbia Valley. Practices include efficient irrigation due to region's dryness, partial use of recyclable packaging, and moderate focus on vineyard biodiversity. Notable solar installation at production facility added after 2012, partial green initiatives since mid-2010s.

While Long Shadows demonstrates growing awareness of sustainability, the 2012 Chester Kidder vintage did not employ holistic sustainability practices or certifications found in some peer wineries. Energy and water efficiency are regionally above average due to eastern Washington’s climate and infrastructure, but specific eco-certifications and comprehensive carbon reduction initiatives only began to appear later in the decade. Improvements in sustainability are more visible in recent vintages.