Veer Wine Project 2016 Le Compére Red Wine, Idaho/Washington, $30

It would seem as if it was the birthright of Will Wetmore – judging by his name – to become a craft beverage producer, working for a Boise-area brewery before casting his lot a couple of years ago with the Idaho wine industry. He’s gotten his foot in the door at Hat Ranch Winery/Vale Wine Co., taking over the role of assistant winemaker at the Sunnyslope Wine District producer. Wetmore’s inaugural red two-barrel blend of Syrah (33%), Mourvèdre (29%), Cabernet Sauvignon (21%) and Cabernet Franc (17%) should get him on the radar of Snake River Valley wine merchants and consumers. The structure here is remarkable, and it starts in Idaho with Hat Ranch Vineyard (Cabernet Franc) and Skyline Vineyard (Syrah). The Washington side of the equation includes Red Heaven Vineyard on Red Mountain and venerable Portteus in the Rattlesnake Hills. A crowd-pleasing nose of plum and Bing cherry with orange oil, cured meat and dark chocolate doesn’t disappoint, picking up flavors of huckleberry and boysenberry for a superb finish. At this point, there is no dedicated retail outlet for Veer, so contact the winery’s through its website.

Rating: Outstanding!

Production: 48 cases

Alcohol: 13.9%

Winery website

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