This new tier from Ste. Chapelle allows for a more artistic impression by longtime winemaker Maurine Johnson, and her debut vintage for this stylish Chardonnay brought her a gold medal at the 2014 Idaho Wine Competition. There’s a hint of toasty oak in the inviting aromas, which are joined by dusty pear, pineapple, cotton candy, freshly laundered linen and lemongrass. Inside, … [Read more...] about Ste. Chapelle 2011 Panoramic Idaho Block 16 Chardonnay, Snake River Valley, $20
Idaho
Ste. Chapelle 2011 Treasure Valley Reserves Syrah, Snake River Valley, $20
A career path that began in the Ste. Chapelle lab back in 1987 led to Maurine Johnson’s promotion to head winemaker of Idaho’s largest winery in 2011. That same vintage signaled the creation of this series that’s featured in her Sunnyslope tasting room. It’s unmistakably Syrah with aromas of smoked meat, bacon-wrapped dates, gun metal and blackberry. The flavors are akin to … [Read more...] about Ste. Chapelle 2011 Treasure Valley Reserves Syrah, Snake River Valley, $20
Ste. Chapelle 2011 Panoramic Idaho Red Blend, Snake River Valley, $25
Since the purchase by Precept more than two years ago, longtime Idaho winemaker Maurine Johnson recently has been given the opportunity to create new tasting-room only wines under this Panaromic tier, and this blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (46%), Merlot (39%), Syrah (10%) and Cabernet Franc reveals the serious side to Idaho’s largest winery. Aromas of mesquite smoke pick up hints … [Read more...] about Ste. Chapelle 2011 Panoramic Idaho Red Blend, Snake River Valley, $25
Bitner Vineyards NV Coyotes High Desert White, Snake River Valley, $15
Best Buy! For years, Ron Bitner has been entrusting his grapes and his wines to nearby winemaker Greg Koenig, and this off-dry estate blend of Riesling (50%), Chardonnay (25%) and Viognier is highly pleasing. Aromas of Mandarin orange, apricot, kiwi, peach taffy and maraschino cherry lead to flavors bursting with white peach, pineapple and orange. There’s more than enough … [Read more...] about Bitner Vineyards NV Coyotes High Desert White, Snake River Valley, $15
Fujishin Family Cellars 2010 Amatino, Snake River Valley, $22
Idaho native Martin Fujishin recently released a superb Petite Sirah, and he sacrificed a dollop of that for his complex and expressive Rhône-style blend that’s dominated by Syrah (92%) and includes Viognier (5%). The gaminess of the Syrah leaps out of the glass with cured meat and mincemeat aromas joined by blackberry syrup, pomegranate, cherry fruit leather, Tootsie Roll, tar … [Read more...] about Fujishin Family Cellars 2010 Amatino, Snake River Valley, $22