Steve McCarthy began making wine in Sun Valley back in 2000, when there were only about a dozen wineries in Idaho. However, he's relied on Washington's Columbia Valley fruit from the start, and here's his Syrah from Lewis Vineyard in the Yakima Valley. It's an oak-lover's Syrah with blackberry, black cherry, vanilla bean, allspice and charred cherry wood. Inside, it's got a … [Read more...] about Frenchman’s Gulch 2008 Syrah, Washington, $32
Idaho
Fraser Vineyard 2012 Petit Verdot, Snake River Valley, $34
Thankfully, the dense and highly textured reds from this Sunnyslope vineyard near Caldwell, Idaho, continue to trickle out on the market. Aromas of dusty cherry, Marionberry, toasted cherry wood and minerality dominate and are followed by a fairly rich entry of dark plums, elderberries and more Marionberries. The fine-grained tannins are fascinating and lead to the finish of … [Read more...] about Fraser Vineyard 2012 Petit Verdot, Snake River Valley, $34
Fraser Vineyard 2011 Couloir Cuvée, Snake River Valley, $24
One of Idaho's top wineries just entered its second decade of existence, and while the brand focuses on single-variety bottlings, this annual blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (50%), Merlot (25%) and Syrah continues to be handled with aplomb. Aromas of blackberry, blueberry, black currant and cherry pie are combined with earthiness and leather. Blackberries and currants make their … [Read more...] about Fraser Vineyard 2011 Couloir Cuvée, Snake River Valley, $24
Small House Winery 2010 Red Table Wine, Washington, $20
This brand new winery in the Idaho Panhandle arts community of Sandpoint creates a rather exotic display with these three barrel of Grenache (70%) and Syrah. The red Rhône blend opens with whiffs of cherry, Red Vines, milk chocolate and Red Man leaf tobacco. The drink brings sweet fruit and a gentle approach with red cherry and Craisins, featuring fruit-forward acidity and … [Read more...] about Small House Winery 2010 Red Table Wine, Washington, $20
Sawtooth Winery 2011 Vineyard Select Skyline Red, Snake River Valley, $13
Best Buy! This Idaho winery was founded in 1987 by Brad Pintler, and it continues to produce delicious wines at affordable prices. The blend is built with Bordeaux varieties, but it gets a significant boost from Syrah (21%). It opens with aromas of cherry pie filling, vanilla, espresso and milk chocolate, but there's also a pinch of crushed herbs and celery salt. The rich drink … [Read more...] about Sawtooth Winery 2011 Vineyard Select Skyline Red, Snake River Valley, $13