Snake River Winery "GSM" 2010, Arena Valley Vineyard

A blend of Grenache, Syrah and Mouvedre (hence "GSM") from Snake River Winery. The grapes are Estate-grown in the Snake River Valley AVA.

Medium garnet color with some blue hints at the rim.

Tobacco, cedar, boysenberry jam, slight tomato, wood smoke. Lingering fruity/cherry syrup finish. A slight burnt rubber scent in the nose.

Initially somewhat puckering and tannic, but opened nicely after a bit.

Definitely merits some old world style points.

A nice wine, and pairs well with rich meats.

Sawtooth Chardonnay

2009 Snake River Valley

Peaches, cream, straw, and melon, but with a tinny/metallic finish. Medium body with moderate acid. Overall just fair.  This could have been a nice wine for the price, but the metallic tang brings it down.

Fraser Vineyard Couloir Cuvée

2010 Snake River Valley
70% Syrah/30% Cabernet

Nice dark red color with slight browning. Blueberry, blackberry, toffee flavors, just a little oak.  The syrah definitely comes through.  Could use a little more time to smooth out.  Definitely a nice example of Idaho wines.

Koenig Merlot 2009

Estate grown grapes, from the Snake River Valley AVA.  14 months in oak.

Deep ruby color with slight browning.

Strawberry jam, cedar, plum, and blackberry notes, with a currant and tobacco finish.  A nice, elegant Merlot from one of Idaho's best regarded producers, Koenig Distillery and Winery.