Located in the Snake River Valley in Caldwell, Idaho, Hells Canyon Winery produces approximately 3000 cases a year.  Overlooking the banks of the Snake River at an elevation of 2700 feet, Hells Canyon vineyards are some of the oldest in the state, made up of Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Syrah varieties.

A few weeks back I pulled the cork on the 2006 Merlot Reserve.  Retailing for $30, the wine represented my first Merlot from the state.  Aromas of black cherry, plum, fresh herbs and pepper blend together to deliver a complex, multidimensional nose.  A medium-bodied, age-worthy Merlot, the palate displayed similar flavors as the nose with an added touch of vanilla.  Well integrated tannins and just enough acidity round out the wine.

With each new vintage Hells Canyon selects original sporting art to represent the experience of Idaho.  In fact, when you buy Hells Canyon wines you are pledging your support for wildlife conservation organizations.  Each year, the winery donates 10% of net profits to the cause.  Great wine and a worthy cause.  Cheers!

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2006 Sawtooth Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon

With each new pour, Idaho continues to rise on my list of contending wine states in North America.   With a designated AVA (the Snake River Valley) and more than 35 wineries on the map, it’s safe to say Idaho is well on its way to establishing itself as an up-and-coming wine region with endless potential.  One winery in particular, Sawtooth Winery, continues to impress.  The 2006 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon I tasted recently, was no different.

The reserve is a blend of 92% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Petit Verdot, 2% Cabernet Franc, 1% Malbec, and 1% Merlot from their Sawtooth vineyard.  Retailing for $24.99, 200 cases were produced.

The 2006 shows blackberry and currant, followed by a smoky hint on the nose.  On the palate, cherry, herbs, and a touch of leather up front, finishing off with a peppery finish.  A great example of a New World Cabernet Sauvignon that pairs well with bold dishes.

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2008 Sawtooth Riesling

I’ll be honest, other than at a restaurant or paired alongside the casual fruit and cheese platter, I was never a food and wine kind of guy.  That’s all changed in 2010.  More and more, I’m finding myself pouring through the pages of Food & Wine or Wine Spectator hoping to find the perfect pairing.  As a result, I hope to share more pairing suggestions this year and have included a new “pairings” category under “wine” for quick access.

In support of my new goal, tonight’s dinner featured a 2008 Sawtooth Riesling paired alongside a Thai Curry dish.  The 100% Estate Riesling is produced by Sawtooth Winery, located in the heart of the Snake River AVA in Idaho.  I’ve highlighted Sawtooth in the past (read more here) and frequently recommend to friends and family looking for a wine from the other 46 states.  Widely available at a number of retail outlets for $9.99, Sawtooth produced 1,960 cases of the 2008 Riesling.

Showing the typical apple, pear, and peach on the nose, the off-dry, medium-bodied Riesling proved to be a great match next to the spicy dish.  A delicious wine on its own, but even better with food.  Cheers!

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Ste Chapelle 2006 Ice Wine Cabernet Franc

Okay, so maybe my worst title ever, but with the temps hovering around freezing lately, the brain is a bit rusty.  That said, tonight’s wine hails from Ste. Chapelle Winery in Caldwell, Idaho.  Located in one of America’s newest AVA’s, the Snake River Valley Wine Region is home to more than a dozen wineries.  Founded in 1976, Ste. Chapelle is owned by Ascentia Wine Estates (Gary Farrell, Geyser Peak, and Buena Vista to name a few) and is producing approximately 155,000 cases of award-winning wine annually.

Synonymous with cold weather, tonight’s wine is a 2006 Cabernet Franc Ice Wine.  Idaho provides ideal conditions for ice wine production; sufficient warmth to ripen the grapes and cold enough weather right after harvest to freeze them on the vine.  Producing ice wines since 1998, Ste. Chapelle has an impressive track record for this dessert wine, winning several “Best of Class” and “Best of Show” honors.  Also from their Winemaker Series, Ste. Chapelle produces a Riesling and Sauvignon Blanc ice wine.

With its brilliant red color and rich flavors, the ice wine seduces with red fruit aromas on the nose, strawberries and raspberries on the palate and a long, smooth finish.  A tasty wine for a chilly day.  Cheers!

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Sawtooth 2005 Reserve Syrah

Tonight’s pour is a 2005 Reserve Syrah from Sawtooth Winery, located in Idaho, in the Snake River Valley AVA.  The wine was received as a sample and is the first red I’ve tried from the state.  To date, I’ve been very impressed with the white offerings and previously reviewed the Pinot Gris from Sawtooth, which can be read here.

A small production wine with only 140 cases produced, the Reserve Syrah is not available for purchase online.  Coming in at 14.5% alcohol, the blend contains 83% Syrah, 6% Mourvèdre, 5% Cinsault, 5% Viognier, and 1% Grenache.  Nice earthy aromas are followed up with spice, raspberry, and dark cherry in the mouth.  I could see this pairing well with venison or prime rib.  A nice effort from Sawtooth Winery.

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