The Polo Cove Vineyard, adjacent to acclaimed Fraser Vineyard west of Caldwell, Idaho, serves as Martin Fujishin’s source for this Rhône variety that is starting to gain a following in the Pacific Northwest. Part of its attraction is that inky quality which catches the eye, and that’s followed up with rich aromas of macerated blackberry, plum and black cherry with cocoa powder, … [Read more...] about Fujishin Family Cellars 2011 Petite Sirah, Snake River Valley, $22
Idaho
Ste. Chapelle 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon, Snake River Valley, $12
Best Buy! Idaho’s largest winery offers this high-toned, lighter-bodied Cab. The nose features red raspberry, cherry cola, Red Vines licorice and timothy hay, and the flavor profile follows a similar path, picking up hints of cranberry, chokecherry, milk chocolate and black licorice. Suggested pairings include grilled rib eye, pork tenderloin and aged hard cheeses. Rating: … [Read more...] about Ste. Chapelle 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon, Snake River Valley, $12
Cinder Wines 2013 Dry Viognier, Snake River Valley, $18
Idaho’s Snake River Valley is much more than Riesling when it comes to white varieties as Melanie Krause’s dry version of Viognier shows. She relies on Sawtooth and Williamson vineyards to help offer aromas of rosewater, pineapple, dried pear, orange oil and alyssum. She also stays true to the variety on the palate, where there are complex flavors of orange, yellow grapefruit … [Read more...] about Cinder Wines 2013 Dry Viognier, Snake River Valley, $18
Telaya Wine Co. 2011 Turas, Columbia Valley, $30
Boise winemakers Earl and Carrie Sullivan rely on the Irish word for "journey" as the name for their proprietary Syrah-based blend that pulls from Gamache and West Hills vineyards in Washington state and spent 22 months in French oak barrels of varying ages. Aromas of black cherry and black currant include milk chocolate, rose petal, crushed herbs and a bit of charred wood. … [Read more...] about Telaya Wine Co. 2011 Turas, Columbia Valley, $30
Ste. Chapelle 2012 Gem State Red, Snake River Valley, $12
Best Buy! This approachable blend of Merlot (59%) and Syrah is brimming with purple notes of Italian plums, blackberry and blueberry, along with lilac, mint, cocoa powder, a wet county road and savory hints of Salisbury steak. Purple fruit plays its way on the palate that’s lively with acidity yet not bound up by tannin. Suggested pairings include prime rib, lamb, stew or a … [Read more...] about Ste. Chapelle 2012 Gem State Red, Snake River Valley, $12