Best Buy! Martin Fujishin works with Chardonnay from nearby vineyards Polo Cove and Bitner, and he presents this in what he refers to as a “Central Coast” style inspired by trips to California. As a result, this bargain-priced Chardonnay offers aromas and flavors of toasty oak, starfruit and dried apricot, backed by butter and lemon pepper. Rating: Recommended Production: … [Read more...] about Fujishin Family Cellars 2014 Chardonnay, Snake River Valley, $13
Idaho
Cinder Wines 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon-Merlot-Malbec, Snake River Valley, $29
Each vintage, Boise winemaker Melanie Krause and her husband, Joe Schnerr, offer one blended wine within their core tier at Cinder Wines. That they didn't create a proprietary name for their Bordeaux blend doesn’t make you guess about the components. The warm 2013 vintage allowed Krause to boost the percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon (67%) from previous years. Merlot (19%) is … [Read more...] about Cinder Wines 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon-Merlot-Malbec, Snake River Valley, $29
Laissez Faire 2015 White Table Wine, Snake River Valley, $16
Melanie Krause and her husband, Joe Schnerr, of Cinder Wines near Boise developed the Laissez Faire brand as one that would appeal casually to winemakers and serve as an everyday “house wine.” They arrived at a blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Chenin Blanc — harvest from five of their core vineyards — that goes from vineyard to tank to bottle all within about four months. Fun … [Read more...] about Laissez Faire 2015 White Table Wine, Snake River Valley, $16
Fujishin Family Cellars 2014 Late Harvest Riesling, Snake River Valley, $19
Riesling planted at Polo Cove Vineyard has the advantage of growing at about 2,800 feet elevation, making it one of the highest sites in Idaho’s Snake River Valley. Sunnyslope winemaker Martin Fujishin has worked closely with Polo Cove for several years, and he’s produced a marvelous late harvest-style Riesling as a result. Fanciful aromas of pineapple upside down cake, apricot … [Read more...] about Fujishin Family Cellars 2014 Late Harvest Riesling, Snake River Valley, $19
Crossings Winery 2012 Zabala Vineyard Cabernet Franc, Snake River Valley, $19
Idaho winemaker Neil Glancey continues to show his skill with this less-appreciated Bordeaux variety. He pulls from nearby Zabala Vineyard in the Hagerman Valley for this stunning Cab Franc that offers a theme of sweet oak with plenty of red fruit flavor akin to cassis, raspberry and cranberry. There are pinches of leafiness and white pepper joined by great acidity, prized … [Read more...] about Crossings Winery 2012 Zabala Vineyard Cabernet Franc, Snake River Valley, $19