As Sawtooth enters its second quarter century in business, it continues to be one of the guiding wineries in Idaho's burgeoning wine industry. Winemaker Bill Murray started his career in the Napa Valley and now is crafting some of the finest wines in the Snake River Valley. He used estate grapes to craft this superb Merlot. It opens with aromas of crushed almond, milk … [Read more...] about Sawtooth Estate Winery 2009 Reserve Merlot, Snake River Valley, $20
Idaho
Sawtooth Estate Winery 2009 Reserve Petite Sirah, Snake River Valley, $25
More and more, we are noticing a trend toward Rhône varieties coming out of Idaho's Snake River Valley. It's fun to watch as the growing wine region explores what it's strengths might be in the generations to come. Petite Sirah is the boldest of Rhône varieties - perhaps all wine grapes - and it shows promise in the high-altitude vineyards of southwest Idaho. This example opens … [Read more...] about Sawtooth Estate Winery 2009 Reserve Petite Sirah, Snake River Valley, $25
Sawtooth Estate Winery 2010 Late Harvest Riesling, Snake River Valley, $12
Best Buy! Sawtooth Winery was known as Pintler Cellars when it launched in 1987. It is now one of Idaho's oldest and largest producers. Precept in Seattle has owned Sawtooth since the company began in 2003 (and actually well before that). This delicious and affordable dessert wine opens with aromas of honey, lavender and yellow grapefruit, followed by flavors of fruit cocktail … [Read more...] about Sawtooth Estate Winery 2010 Late Harvest Riesling, Snake River Valley, $12
Sawtooth Estate Winery 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon, Snake River Valley, $14
Best Buy! Sawtooth is one of Idaho's largest and oldest wineries. It was the only winery Precept in Seattle owned when it started the company in 2003, and Sawtooth continues to be one of its strongest produces of value wines. This Cab opens with aromas of dark chocolate and coconut - which immediately reminded us of a Mounds candy bar. On the palate, it's a medium-bodied red … [Read more...] about Sawtooth Estate Winery 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon, Snake River Valley, $14
Vale Wine Co. 2009 Merlot, Snake River Valley, $20
Idaho native John Danielson leads this young winery near Caldwell in the Snake River Valley, which is emerging along with the state's nascent wine industry. This Merlot offers aromas of classic herbal characteristics, as well as pink peppercorn, lavender and red currant. On the palate, it is a nicely balanced red with flavors of black cherry and red plum. Pair this with pork … [Read more...] about Vale Wine Co. 2009 Merlot, Snake River Valley, $20