What follows is an excerpt for the 2008 Walla Walla Holiday Barrel Tasting Report. Read the full report here.

Anyone who has read my previous reports from Walla Walla knows that I have been consistently impressed with Long Shadows. Long Shadows not only does not make a bad wine, almost every wine they make is exceptional. A good example of this is their 2005 Late Harvest Botyris Riesling. Botrytis Riesling is a result of grapes infected by Noble Rot (Botrytis Cinerea). The Botrytis shrivels the grapes, concentrating sugar and flavors. The results in this dessert wine are nothing short of stunning.

The new releases from Long Shadows continue their tradition of excellence. However, as was the case with a number of wineries we visited who tried to counter the cold December temperatures by warming up the winery, the wines were a bit warmer (68 degrees) than I prefer to sample wines at (62-65). I have indicated when I had a degree of uncertainty rating the wine due to the temperature with a (+?). Still, even at warmer temperatures, Long Shadows’ wines were all standouts and among the best we tried of the weekend. All wines sampled at 68 degrees with the exception of the Late Harvest Riesling which was chilled.

Wines:

Score

Name

Notes

$

*

Chester Kidder 2006

Clove, spice, and aniseed accent rich, dark fruit. A plush wine that has just a trace of sharpness that runs through the palate. The finish hangs. Will be an excellent wine. 44% Cabernet; 37% Syrah; 9% Cab Franc; 9% Petit Verdot; 5% Merlot. To be bottled in March 2009.

BS

*

(+?)

Chester Kidder 2005

A bold wine with dark fruit, spice and an expressive palate marked by black licorice, a solid tannin profile, and a pleasing tartness. 55% Cabernet; 40% Syrah; 5% Merlot. 14.7% alcohol. 1,586 cases produced.

$50

*

Saggi 2006

Cranberries laced with bitter sweet chocolate layered with rich dark fruit. The nose has a lot of complexity. 42% Cabernet; 39% Sangiovese; 19% Syrah. 14.6% alcohol. 1,725 cases produced.

$45

*

(+?)

Sequel 2006

Generous amounts of red and black dried fruit along with kisses of chocolate. A lot of tartness on the taste. 96% Syrah; 4% Cabernet. 14.7% alcohol. 2,012 cases produced.

$50

**

Pirouette 2005

Aniseed, wheat, boysenberry, and spice mark a lively nose. White pepper when not swirled. Chalky tannins and a smooth mid-palate. Holds on for a long finish. 57% Cabernet; 20% Merlot; 14% Syrah; 5% Malbec; 4% Cab Franc. 14.6% alcohol. 1,693 cases produced.

$50

**

Poet’s Leap Late Harvest Botrytis Riesling 2005

White grapefruit covered with sugar marks a stunning wine that succeeds at being sweet without being cloying or over the top. This is a beautiful, refreshing dessert wine. 11% alcohol. 15% residual sugar. 56 cases produced.

$50