Staff Pick's

Find out what our own staff are getting excited
about these days.

Sawtooth Winery

Idaho

Idaho is a state known for spectacular mountains, rivers and lakes. However, many are unaware that this beautiful area is also a great wine growing region. The unique combination of geography, climate and soils found in Idaho's vineyards can produce grapes with outstanding varietal character. High vineyard elevations, extra long hours of daylight during grape ripening, cool nights, volcanic ash soils, and ungrafted vines all contribute to producing grapes with concentrated flavors and naturally high acidity.

The estate-vineyard for Sawtooth Winery is one of the warmer sites in Idaho. This site is well suited for Cabernet Sauvignon, rather than the traditional "cooler" sites in Idaho. Other varietals planted at Sawtooth Vineyard include Cabernet Franc, Roussannne, Pinot Gris, Syrah, and Merlot.

One of the newest and largest plantings of wine grapes in Idaho, Skyline Vineyard lends itself to many different varietals. With south, west, north and east facing slopes, the micro-climate differs greatly at the site, allowing for a wide selection of varietals to be planted. The south and west facing slopes are the warmer areas of the vineyard, better suited for vinifera grapes which thrive on the long, hot days of the Idaho summers, such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot. Whereas the east and north facing slopes are ideal for varieties requiring more vigor and cooler climates, such as Sauvignon Blanc and Riesling.

www.sawtoothwinery.com

We are big fans of these wines not only for thier quality but also for thier price. The Pinot Gris and Viognier are great for those who want a white but not Chardonnay but don't despair thier Chardonnays are fantastic from the regular with its light, melon style to the fantastic Reserve with deft oak and canteloupe notes. The reds are great too with the Skyline red, a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Tempranillo, introducing the line plus a regular Cabernet and Merlot plus a delicious Syrah and the Reserve Cabernet and Merlot from the 2000 vintage are drinking great now.

For something different try thier fantastic dessert wine. Light and floral with hints of tropical fruit, honeysuckle and peach this is a delight to drink.