Boise winemaker Melanie Krause are making a significant move with Tempranillo as they more than doubled their production of this Spanish variety from 2011. Another quality vintage for Idaho’s Snake River Valley helped, but she couldn’t do it without the hands-on work by Sawtooth Vineyard and across the stateline at Martin Brothers Vineyard. It’s a bold drink with bright red fruit flavors of cherry, raspberry and rhubarb, backed by earthy black olive, yet the tannin structure is moderate compared with many in the Pacific Northwest. The methods included seven days on the skins and 21 months in 40% new oak. Her family enjoys it with strongly flavored meats, Cornish game hen, mushrooms and garlic-based dishes.
Rating: Excellent
Production: 465 cases
Alcohol: 13.5%
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