In typical fashion, the Idaho wine industry enjoyed a bounce-back vintage in 2016 on the heels of a devastating winter the vintage prior. This work from Sawtooth Vineyard by Meredith Smith came onto the crush pad before the start of October, one reason why Snake River Valley winemakers embrace this early-ripening variety native to Spain. Given the luxury of working with French oak for 20 months, Smith develops alluring aromas of toasted filberts, brown sugar and cherry vanilla with black raspberry. Those notes carry through onto the palate, backed by Montmorency cherry, cranberry sauce and firm tannins for a long finish. Enjoy with lamb alongside chimichurri.
Rating: Outstanding!
Production: 275 cases
Alcohol: 13.6%
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