Skyline Red

Best Buy! This Idaho winery was founded in 1987 by Brad Pintler, and it continues to produce delicious wines at affordable prices. The blend is built with Bordeaux varieties, but it gets a significant boost from Syrah (21%). It opens with aromas of cherry pie filling, vanilla, espresso and milk chocolate, but there’s also a pinch of crushed herbs and celery salt. The rich drink brings hints of sweet cherry and black currant. The dab of residual sugar doesn't keep it from serving as a pleasant greeting after a rough day at the office.

"I’m a big fan of this winery for its outstanding Riesling, delightful chardonnay and succulent syrah. This juicy blend of cabernet sauvignon, merlot, tempranillo, petite sirah, petite verdot, malbec, syrah and grenache defies any paradigm of a red blend from anywhere around the world by combining Bordeaux, Spain, California and the Rhone in one. It’s a wine that could be found nowhere else but America, and it shows a sense of adventure that comes through in the glass. "

Best Buy! Sawtooth Winery is one of Idaho's oldest producers, having started life as Pintler Cellars in 1987. Today, it is owned by Precept Wine in Seattle, and the wines are made by Bill Murray. This red blend from the Gem State's largest vineyard includes no fewer than eight varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Tempranillo, Petite Sirah, Petit Verdot, Grenache, Malbec and Syrah. This collection showcases the diversity of the Snake River Valley's viticultural opportunities. It opens with aromas of cordial cherries, white strawberries and dark plum that lead to hedonistic flavors of plum and black currant jam. It provides juicy acidity and is backed with ample tannins and complexity. This won a gold medal at last year's Idaho Wine Competition.