Treasure Valley developer Richard Pavelek dotes on his vines of red Bordeaux varieties grown in the foothills east of Boise, making his perhaps the state’s highest elevation site for ongoing viticulture — 3,100 feet. His focus on estate fruit explains why Terra Nativa is one of Idaho’s tiniest wineries with an annual production of 600 cases. Here, Pavelek has crafted a superb … [Read more...] about Terra Nativa Vineyards 2012 Reserve Merlot, Idaho, $40
Idaho
Bitner Vineyards 2012 Reserve Petit Verdot Merlot, Snake River Valley, $32
Longtime Idaho grower Ron Bitner works with Sunnyslope winemaker Greg Koenig to craft this delicious Bordeaux-style red blend that leads with Petit Verdot and backed by Merlot (40%) from the vines planted along Plum Road. Bold, dark, dense aromas of molasses, plum and black cherry are backed by flavors of red fruit, tobacco and a hint of oak. Ample acidity and well-managed … [Read more...] about Bitner Vineyards 2012 Reserve Petit Verdot Merlot, Snake River Valley, $32
3 Horse Ranch Vineyards 2014 Merlot Cabernet Franc, Washington, $21
Idaho vintner Gary Cunningham continues to sell more wine than he can get grapes for in the Snake River Valley, so he works with Sunnyslope winemaker Greg Koenig to blend Merlot (80%) and Cabernet Franc (20%) from Washington’s Columbia Valley for this delicious bottling. Aromas of red cherry, crushed raspberry and fresh strawberry lead to flavors of bright red fruit along with … [Read more...] about 3 Horse Ranch Vineyards 2014 Merlot Cabernet Franc, Washington, $21
Fujishin Family Cellars 2015 Gewürztraminer, Snake River Valley, $16
Snake River Valley native Martin Fujishin continues to champion Gewürztraminer grown at Skyline Vineyard, Idaho’s largest, and he does so in a dry style tribute to the cool-climate grape from Germany. Its theme is tropical, led by lychee nut with vanilla, clove and lightly toasted almond. There’s also the variety’s classic grapefruit pith to balance what little sugar is left … [Read more...] about Fujishin Family Cellars 2015 Gewürztraminer, Snake River Valley, $16
Telaya Wine Co. 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon, Red Mountain, $40
Boise winemaker Earl Sullivan isn’t confident that Idaho’s Snake River Valley can get Cabernet Sauvignon to ripen at 2,800 feet elevation year after year, so he goes to the biggest sure thing in the Northwest — Washington's Red Mountain. And he’s in on the ground floor of Quintessence Vineyards, one of the region’s most exciting sites for Cab. The Telaya Wine program of 20 … [Read more...] about Telaya Wine Co. 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon, Red Mountain, $40