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 Mourvèdre (30%) and Tempranillo. The 2015 vintage was not particularly abundant in the Snake River Valley, so she supplemented her Idaho lots by reaching into Airfield Estates in the Yakima Valley and the Gordon family’s Kamiak Vineyard overlooking the Snake River near Pasco, Wash. Krause used whole-berry fermentation and 100% neutral oak barrels to build aromas of orange zest, red plum, red currant and oregano. It’s downright yummy to drink as black currant and President plum flavors are met with soft tannins and boysenberry acidity, leading to a lick of strawberry fruit leather in the finish. Enjoy with tomato-based dishes and flatbreads. The 2014 vintage earned the title of best red wine at the 2015 Idaho Wine Competition, so this blend is no one-hit wonder. Fortunately, Cinder’s team can ship directly to consumers throughout the U.S.
Rating: Outstanding!
Production: 1,000 cases
Alcohol: 14%
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