Second-generation vintner Doug Jones and Boise State grad Neil Glancey buck the trend with Lemberger by trademarking the name Bleu Noir for use on this wine bottled from estate Blaufränkisch near Glenns Ferry. Glancey, one of Idaho’s veteran winemakers, crafted a delicious, come-hither example of this red Austrian variety that has become increasingly rare in the Pacific Northwest. Beautiful aromas of ripe raspberry give way to inviting flavors of plush fruit backed by tangy acidity and firm, yet food-friendly tannins. Increased sales, which he credits directly to the name changes, have inspired Jones, who eagerly wants to promote this under-appreciated grape. In fact, he has told others they are free to use “Bleu Noir” for their bottlings of Lemberger. This earned a gold medal at the 2015 Idaho Wine Competition.
Rating: Outstanding!
Production: 500 cases
Alcohol: 12.5%
Leave a Reply