John Danielson proves with this small lot of Malbec that the trendy Bordeaux variety made famous in Argentina can also thrive in the high-elevation region of Idaho's Snake River Valley. These two barrels came from Arena Valley Vineyard near Parma, the estate site for Snake River Winery. A sniff brings in a fruit-forward nose of dark black cherry, boysenberry, huckleberry, … [Read more...] about Vale Wine Co. 2010 Under 50 Malbec, Snake River Valley, $38
Idaho
Vale Wine Co. 2010 Rendezvous Red, Snake River Valley, $22
Most of the Idaho's largest vineyards — Arena Valley, Bitner, Sawtooth, Skyline and Williamson — contribute to this blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot and Syrah. Black cherry, cola, dusty tobacco leaf and chocolate Tootsie Pop aromas funnel into a robust drink of cherries, cassis and bittersweet chocolate. There's a rustic elegance to the structure of pie cherry … [Read more...] about Vale Wine Co. 2010 Rendezvous Red, Snake River Valley, $22
Vale Wine Company 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon, Snake River Valley, $24
John Danielson spent his career working his way up the corporate ladder at Albertsons before retiring and making wine in his native Idaho. He used Skyline and historic Symms vineyards to produce a classic cool-climate Cabernet Sauvignon that should stand the test of time. It opens with aromas of black cherry, boysenberry and plum, backed by hints of crushed walnut, chocolate, … [Read more...] about Vale Wine Company 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon, Snake River Valley, $24
Vale Wine Co. 2011 Under 50 Tempranillo, Snake River Valley $38
Idaho native John Danielson's small-lot program features some of the Snake River Valley's most exciting varieties. This Spanish transplant is one of the hottest, pioneered by Sawtooth founding winemaker Brad Pintler. Sawtooth and Skyline vineyards contributed to this wine, which opens with dusty Bing cherry, plums, wild raspberry, vanilla and Ovaltine powder. It's a … [Read more...] about Vale Wine Co. 2011 Under 50 Tempranillo, Snake River Valley $38
Sawtooth Winery 2012 Estate Pinot Gris, Snake River Valley, $12
Best Buy! Associate winemaker Meredith Smith, a Boise High product, oversees one of Idaho's largest and tastiest productions of Pinot Gris. A dash of Muscat Blanc (1%) serves as the secret sauce, boosting the tropical theme in the aromatics of ambrosia salad and lychee. It's also tropical on the entry, backed with rich and rounded flavors apple and ripe pear. Pleasing acidity … [Read more...] about Sawtooth Winery 2012 Estate Pinot Gris, Snake River Valley, $12