Monthly Wine Rally: March 2017

Each week I review and recommend a wine and send it to my Where the Wine is Weekly Newsletter subscribers.  Here are the wines I reviewed in March!

All of these wines were purchased by me.

Indian Creek Winery 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon.  Indian Creek Winery has been family owned since its inception in the Snake River Valley in 1982, making it a pioneer of the Idaho wine industry.  The wines are crafted by winemaker Mike McClure, son-in-law of Bill Stowe, original winemaker and owner.  This Cabernet Sauvignon is for those who love earthy wines driven by terroir rather than fruity high-alcohol Cabs. 13.9% alcohol by volume and priced at $16.00.

Appearance: Dark ruby.
Aroma: Black cherry, green bell pepper, white pepper and eucalyptus with a hint of minerality.
Palate: Pepper follows from nose to palate with high acidity and medium tannins.
Finish: Moderate.
Rating: Great! B

Cellar 616 2013 Vintner’s Riserva Primitivo (The ‘Early One’ reserve).  Made by winemaker Kenneth Rufe from grapes sourced in the Skyline Vineyard of the Snake River Valley.  Fun fact!  Primitivo has been identified as genetically identical to Zinfandel.  This wine is 15.79% alcohol by volume and is priced at $26.00.

Appearance: Medium garnet.
Aroma: Raspberry jam, raisin, light oak and pepper present.
Palate: Light acidity and tannins with a little tickle of spice on the tip of the tongue.
Finish: Medium with a bit of lingering spice.
Rating: Great! B

Crossings Winery’s 2012 Bleu Noir.  Made by winemaker Neil Glancey, this delicious wine is made from the Austrian grape varietal Blaufränkisch and is sourced at the Crossings vineyards in Idaho’s Snake River Valley. It’s 12.5% alcohol by volume and priced at $18.50.

Appearance:  Medium ruby.
Aroma:  Dried cranberry, red plum and spice.
Palate:  Medium acidity and tannins with light fruit and a bit of oak.
Finish:  Moderate with slight spice on the tongue.
Rating:  Great! B

Pick up these wines direct from the winery or ask for them at your nearest wine shop!

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