Fujishin Family Cellars 2011 Late Harvest Chardonnay, Snake River Valley, $22

As Greg Koenig’s right-hand man, Idaho native Martin Fujishin plays an important role in making many of the Snake River Valley’s best wines. He’s showed a deft touch with late harvest Riesling over the years, and here’s another delicious dessert. It opens with aromas of baked apple pie, lemon pudding and bubblegum. On the palate comes a delivery of poached pear, Honey Nut Cheerios and apricot, chased with a hint of blueberry gum and gooseberry acidity to balance the residual sugar of 6 percent. When pairing with dessert, it’s critical that the wine come across as sweeter than the food, so try with a sliver with strawberry cheesecake.

Rating: Excellent

Production: 131 cases

Alcohol: 12.2%

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