Boise-based Joe Schnerr and Melanie Krause don’t produce a large-scale proprietary red or a straight Malbec under their Cinder brand, but they are including it in their straight-forward blend of Bordeaux varieties off Skyline, Sawtooth and Williamson Vineyards. It’s a classic and delicious red with notes of Bing cherry, vanilla, white pepper and a whiff of smoke in a structure that speaks of moderate tannins and the good acidity that’s inherent in most Snake River Valley wines. Those factors merited a silver medal at the 2014 Idaho Wine Competition, and this husband/wife team enjoy it alongside pork loin with a raisin compote or braised buffalo short ribs.
Rating: Excellent
Production: 225 cases
Alcohol: 13.3%
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