Idaho's oldest and largest winery continues to develop its outdoor concert series, and Ste. Chapelle offers this approachable blend for those to purchase in conjunction with those shows on the scenic Sunnyslope. Boise native Meredith Smith blends Petit Verdot (25%), Cabernet Sauvignon (25%), Merlot (25%) and Syrah (24%), all four from a site she knows better than any other … [Read more...] about Ste. Chapelle 2016 Open Air Red Blend, Snake River Valley $22
Idaho
Laissez Faire 2018 Red Table Wine, Snake River Valley, $18
Melanie Krause and Joe Schnerr of acclaimed Cinder Wines near Boise continue show their talented resourcefulness with the everyday Laissez Faire program. Their latest edition pulls in Sangiovese (48%), Mourvedre (24%), Merlot (14%) and Tempranillo from Williamson and Sawtooth vineyards. They keep this pleasing, well-made and approachable, thanks in part to aging the lots for … [Read more...] about Laissez Faire 2018 Red Table Wine, Snake River Valley, $18
Ste. Chapelle 2017 Special Harvest Riesling, Snake River Valley, $12
Best Buy! Growers and winemakers in the Snake River Valley of Idaho persevered during the 2017 vintage in the aftermath of the January killing freeze, which exacted a heavy toll. Riesling blocks in the Symms plantings near Ste. Chapelle also felt the sting, so production of this popular came in less than half of the 2016 vintage, but Boise native Meredith Smith brought this … [Read more...] about Ste. Chapelle 2017 Special Harvest Riesling, Snake River Valley, $12
Indian Creek Winery 2017 Dry Rosé, Snake River Valley, $16
Not long ago, a dry pink wine such as this was viewed as a "winemaker's rosé." Thankfully, U.S. wine consumers are savvy enough to embrace these bright roses, and Mike McClure continues his delicious run with Syrah that's picked early and purposefully crafted in a Provence style, starting with the color. Aromas of dried strawberry, peaches and cream and facial powder lead to … [Read more...] about Indian Creek Winery 2017 Dry Rosé, Snake River Valley, $16
Williamson Vineyards 2017 Dry Riesling, Snake River Valley, $12
Best Buy! Idaho winemaker Greg Koenig produces the wines for his longtime friends - the Williamson family - and this is a bright example of Riesling. Aromas of lemon-lime and a hint of Mandarin orange lead to matching flavors, which are trailed by a bit of minerality, a beautiful mouth feel and crisp acidity. This ranked as one of the top wines at the 2019 Cascadia … [Read more...] about Williamson Vineyards 2017 Dry Riesling, Snake River Valley, $12