Idaho's Snake River Valley has a proven track record for producing fine Syrah grapes, which form the foundation for Telaya's 2013 Turas, a blends of Syrah (55%), Petit Verdot (27%) and Malbec. A Syrah-based blend was the first wine for the Garden City winery and has become its flagship blend. Cured meat, spice and blackberries mark its aromatics, while in the mouth it shows off … [Read more...] about Telaya Wine Co. 2013 Turas, Snake River Valley, $32
Idaho
Sawtooth Estate Winery 2013 Chardonnay, Snake River Valley, $12
Best Buy! Boise native Meredith Smith continues her impressive work in Idaho’s Snake River Valley with this beautiful Chardonnay. The viticulturist-turned-winemaker started her work in the vineyard that surrounds the picturesque tasting room, and the wine spent 15 months in a program including 20% new American oak. That imparts aromas of sweet toast, cotton candy, caramel apple … [Read more...] about Sawtooth Estate Winery 2013 Chardonnay, Snake River Valley, $12
Colter’s Creek Winery 2013 Arrow Rim Red, Idaho, $25
Colter's Creek Arrow Rim Red, a blend of Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre once again shows Idaho can star in producing Rhône blends. The Juliaetta, Idaho, winery labeled it Idaho red wine because when it was made that was the only recognized AVA for its vineyard location above the rimrocks at the confluence of the Clearwater and Potlatch rivers. Lewis and Clark named the creek for … [Read more...] about Colter’s Creek Winery 2013 Arrow Rim Red, Idaho, $25
Feathered Winds 2014 Rosé, Snake River Valley, $17
Gertschen Vineyards in the Southern Idaho town of Hagerman yields the debut release for the wine program at Thousand Springs Bed and Breakfast - a scenic destination near the Snake River for tourists as well as migrating birds. Its theme of black cherry, raspberry and milk chocolate carries some sweetness and just enough acidity to make this a pleasing drink for the deck or the … [Read more...] about Feathered Winds 2014 Rosé, Snake River Valley, $17
Ste. Chapelle 2013 Panoramic Idaho Syrah, Snake River Valley, $25
Sawtooth Vineyard - the breadbasket for the Snake River Valley wine industry - serves as the source for this special Syrah released under Idaho’s oldest brand. Perfumy oak, elderberry, Marionberry, blueberry and tar aromas are delivered on the palate with great weight and balance to the juicy acidity and blueberry skin tannin structure. It was bottled in late July and earned a … [Read more...] about Ste. Chapelle 2013 Panoramic Idaho Syrah, Snake River Valley, $25