Vineyards in Idaho’s Snake River Valley tickle 3,000 feet in elevation, and Malbec thrives at that altitude, which begins to explain why Argentina’s Mendoza region has become famous for this red Bordeaux grape. Winemakers in Idaho also are earning a reputation for delicious Malbec, and homegrown Meredith Smith is among the leaders. She pulls it from Sawtooth Vineyard, and as part of Ste. Chapelle’s Panoramic Idaho series, her Malbec features Shoshone Falls on the label. Rich black and blue fruit tones of plum and Marionberry pick up white pepper, light accents from oak and a touch of leafiness. It’s bright and approachable, and the well-managed tannins should serve it well with lean cuts of beef such as London broil.
Rating: Outstanding!
Production: 181 cases
Alcohol: 14.4%
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