Snake River Valley native Martin Fujishin has displayed a knack for blending that has earned him national attention with his Rhône-inspired Amatino. However, the 2014 vintage prompted him to release a standalone Syrah, something he doesn’t do every year. Polo Cove, a large block adjacent to acclaimed Fraser Vineyard, is a core of the Fujishin Syrah program, and it accounts for … [Read more...] about Fujishin Family Cellars 2014 Syrah, Snake River Valley, $25
Idaho
Cinder Wines 2014 Syrah, Snake River Valley, $29
The promise of Syrah grown in the high-elevation of Idaho’s Snake River Valley helped lure Melanie Krause back home to launch her own winery, and her continued excellence with this Rhône variety provides proof. She works with three of the region’s top sites for Syrah — Sawtooth, Skyline and Williamson — and co-ferments with Viognier (5%). There’s also 10 percent of the lot … [Read more...] about Cinder Wines 2014 Syrah, Snake River Valley, $29
Fujishin Family Cellars 2014 Tempranillo, Snake River Valley, $25
This early-ripening red grape is well suited for Idaho’s high-elevation Snake River Valley, and it’s a natural draw for the Treasure Valley’s large Basque community. “Hot Brand” recipient Martin Fujishin bottles his second vintage with Temp, and it carries a theme of sweet blackberry and plums with toast. The pleasing tannin structure, baking spices and fruit-forward style make … [Read more...] about Fujishin Family Cellars 2014 Tempranillo, Snake River Valley, $25
Laissez Faire 2015 Red Table Wine, Idaho, $16
Ste. Michelle-trained Melanie Krause is the winemaking talent behind Cinder Wines near Boise, but she and her husband Joe Schnerr developed this second label to become a Tuesday night wine in an Old World-style, not only for consumers but also themselves. So they make this in a fruit-forward, bright style each year. This release leads with Sangiovese (60%) and supported by … [Read more...] about Laissez Faire 2015 Red Table Wine, Idaho, $16
Telaya Wine Co. 2014 Petit Verdot, Snake River Valley, $35
Boise winemaker Earl Sullivan relies on famed growers in Washington state for much of his Cabernet Sauvignon, but he enjoys working with scenic Sawtooth Vineyard and viticulturist Dale Jeffers for this Petit Verdot — a Bordeaux grape that’s traditionally a blender and not easy to balance for a standalone bottling. These four barrels of Petit Verdot from Idaho's Snake River … [Read more...] about Telaya Wine Co. 2014 Petit Verdot, Snake River Valley, $35