Region - Idaho
* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
The Klipsun vineyard is known for its power and muscle, and the tannins here are just now beginning to soften up. Winemaker Kristina van Loben Sels has captured the essence of the vineyard’s strengths—tight, focused black cherry and cassis, dark grace notes of tar, gravel and smoke, and those chewy, earthy tannins. The rich mineral streak is evident, the structure is supple and muscular, and this is a wine with a long life ahead.
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
A strong effort from Olsen Estates, this 100% Syrah has fine varietal character, in a rough and tumble style. Cured meats, herbs, earth and hints of sea salt mingle with the wild berry fruit flavors. It’s balanced and fresh, with lingering and nuanced flavors threading through the gulpable finish.
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
Some barrel fermentation (30%) has added a lightly toasty element to this bone dry wine. It shows simple flavors of melon and citrus, along with residual yeastiness.
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
Sweet berry flavors are matched to darker notes of smoke, black olive and moist earth, softening out in a finish that hints at chocolate malt.
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
This is a pure Cab Franc, stylish and varietal. The new oak was limited to just 30%, giving a kick to the natural toastiness of the grape. The fruit mixes blueberries, black cherry and a streak of cassis, then runs into luscious mocha and espresso, with highlights of black pepper and cedar. The tannins have been beautifully managed.
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
You may or may not fancy the blue bottle, but the juice inside is a good example of Yakima Valley Riesling. Tea, honey and lemon flavors are co-mingled; and the 5% residual sugar adds sweetness without becoming grainy or cloying.
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Hyatt Riesling - 2007
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
Sharp, spicy and crisply defined with citrus fruits and skins. The skin flavors really punch through and add power to the midpalate. May have some Picpoul in the blend (to cut the alcohol?).
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McCrea Viognier - 2007
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
Pure Syrah, this is the most limited of the Kamiakin wines (in terms of production), but in many respects the star of the show. Peppery, racy and concentrated, it’s packed with blueberry, kirsch and cassis. The finish is laced with coffee liqueur flavors, suggesting a far more expensive, barrel-aged wine.
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Kamiak Syrah - 2005
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
This 100% Syrah’s berry flavors are wrapped in spice and some earthy, composty notes, further enhanced with 20% new oak, adding in licorice and espresso. The tannins are balanced but substantial, giving the wine a sense of weight and putting a firm foundation under the fruit.
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
Light, clean, gently spicy pear and apple fruit flavors are set in a crisp white wine with fine acidity. The hints of white pepper give it detail and interest; the fresh acidity encourages that second and third glass. Drink this chilled.
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