The high-elevation vineyards of Idaho's Snake River Valley do a great job of enhancing Sangiovese's already stellar acidity, and this is a superb example from one of the state's top vintners. This opens with aromas of white chocolate, dusty cherry, mint and tarragon, followed by flavors of raspberry and cherry on the entry, followed by flavors of dried cranberry and raspberry. … [Read more...] about Koenig Winery 2010 Williamson Vineyards Sangiovese, Snake River Valley, $20
Idaho
Koenig Vineyards 2010 Cabernet-Syrah, Snake River Valley, $25
Greg Koenig is one of the top winemakers in Idaho, and he produces wines not only for his eponymous winery but also for several other operators in the Snake River Valley. In addition, he and his brother also operate the state's first craft distillery, an operation that goes back more than a decade. This red blend is one of his finest efforts, as he used Cabernet Sauvignon from … [Read more...] about Koenig Vineyards 2010 Cabernet-Syrah, Snake River Valley, $25
Cinder Wines 2010 Tempranillo, Snake River Valley, $28
The grapes for this Tempranillo come from Rocky Fence and Sawtooth vineyards, and winemaker Melanie Krause - another graduate of the Universit of Ste. Michelle - has crafted them into a big, spicy red. It opens with aromas of tobacco leaf, red cherry and cola. On the palate, it's a dark, brooding wine with notes of ripe plum, chocolate and pomegranate. The tannins are robust on … [Read more...] about Cinder Wines 2010 Tempranillo, Snake River Valley, $28
Cinder Wines 2010 Cab-Merlot, Snake River Valley, $27
Winemaker Melanie Krause crafted this superb using grapes from Sawtooth Vineyard, then aged it for 21 months in French and Hungarian oak. It's mostly Cabernet Sauvignon at 80% but also includes Merlot and a touch of Malbec. The resulting wine is stunning, with aromas of crushed leaf, red currant, dried cherry and cocoa powder, followed by flavors of Marionberry jam, juicy … [Read more...] about Cinder Wines 2010 Cab-Merlot, Snake River Valley, $27
Sawtooth Estate Winery 2011 Syrah, Snake River Valley, $14
Best Buy! One of Idaho's oldest and largest producers continues to produce some of the Gem State's finest reds. Napa Valley transplate Bill Murray has crafted a superb Syrah, showing once again the promise of Rhône Valley varieties in the Snake River Valley's high-elevation vineyards. This opens with aromas of black currant candy, white pepper, plum sauce and oak, followed by … [Read more...] about Sawtooth Estate Winery 2011 Syrah, Snake River Valley, $14