Often hailed as Idaho's best winemaker, Cinder co-owner Melanie Krause is making her reputation — and perhaps that of Idaho — with this Spanish variety. This is another great example from the Garden City winery, pulling from three vineyards, Martin Brothers, Sawtooth and Williamson. It releases aromas of bright red fruit, including raspberry and Rainier cherry, followed by … [Read more...] about Cinder Wines 2014 Tempranillo, Snake River Valley, $29
Latest wine reviews
Mazzacano Cellars 2013 L’armonia, Columbia Valley, $60
Flint Nelson worked for just two wineries the past 15 years, first Apex Cellars and then Kestrel, before launching Wit Cellars in Prosser, Wash., with Cat Warwick. The Mazzacano wines represent his own brand, and both releases have been stunning, including this Left Bank Bordeaux-style blend from the Milbrandt’s Northridge Vineyard. It’s dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon (65%) … [Read more...] about Mazzacano Cellars 2013 L’armonia, Columbia Valley, $60
Split Rail Winery NV The Horned Beast Cernunnos Syrah-Grenache-Mourvèdre, Snake River Valley, $29
Boise-area winemaker Jed Glavin used Sawtooth and Williamson vineyards to produce the best red wine of the 2016 Idaho Wine Competition, a Rhône-style blend from the 2014 vintage leading with Syrah and named for Cernunnos, the horned god from Celtic mythology. Luscious aromas offer hints of gaminess, purple fruit and red tones. On the palate, there’s great depth and length, … [Read more...] about Split Rail Winery NV The Horned Beast Cernunnos Syrah-Grenache-Mourvèdre, Snake River Valley, $29
Forsyth Brio 2012 Kiona Vineyard Mourvèdre, Red Mountain, $35
Forsyth Family Vintners in Prosser, Wash., adopted brio as part of its brand name, and that Italian term for energy seems particularly applicable with their recent release of Mourvedre on Red Mountain. David Forysth’s work with this red Rhone grape is redolent with dark tones of blackberry and blueberry, joined by gaminess, savory hints of black olive and fun touches of … [Read more...] about Forsyth Brio 2012 Kiona Vineyard Mourvèdre, Red Mountain, $35
Coyote Canyon Winery 2015 LOL White Wine Fun, Horse Heaven Hills, $13
Best Buy! Mike Andrews first offered this white blend under his Downtown label, but he’s finding more success by labeling it as LOL, in large part because of the blends created by Justin Michaud. This time, it leads with Chardonnay (47%) that's backed by Albariño (25%), Roussanne (25%) and Viognier. There are charming aromatics that bring hints of grassiness with tropical … [Read more...] about Coyote Canyon Winery 2015 LOL White Wine Fun, Horse Heaven Hills, $13