Koenig - Snake River Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2016

Price: $29.99

Producer	Koenig
Country	United States
Region	Idaho
Subregion	Snake River Valley
Varietal	Cabernet Sauvignon
Vintage	2016
Sku	P-27273

About the Winery: Koenig Vineyards was founded in 1995, by Andy and Greg Koenig, with the goal of hand-crafting small lots of fine varietal wines from the Sunny Slope District of Idaho’s Snake River Valley. Since the 1970’s, Idaho wineries have made a big effort to raise the quality of their wines: Reducing yields, managing canopies, and aggressive pruning. Bordering both Washington and Oregon, Idaho has more in common with the Walla Walla valley both in the choice of plantings and style of wines produced. Most of the vineyards are at high elevations ranging from 2000-3000 feet above sea level.

Greg worked at a small local winery to gain some experience, but otherwise is self-taught. He planted vines in 1996 and now all their fruit comes either from their estate vineyard or nearby small growers that he has been working with for 20 years. His commitment to quality starts in the vineyards, where responsible viticulture and low yields enable the harvest of exceptional grapes. Focusing on top vineyards sites with warm micro-climates such as Williamson, Bitner, Hells Canyon and their own Koenig Estate vineyard allows Greg to produce wines with character and distinction. The unique volcanic and alluvial soils of the Sunny Slope District combine with Idaho’s high-altitude, arid climate of sunny days and cool nights to produce wine grapes with ripe flavors and balanced natural acidity. Moreover, minimal intervention in the cellar and a dedication to traditional winemaking craft allows winemaker Greg Koenig to bottle wines indicative of their vineyard origin.

About the Wine: Produced entirely of Cabernet Sauvignon grapes from the tiny, low-yielding Bitner Vineyard, the sand and gravel soils underneath express the true terroir of this wine. Aged for 24 months in 40% New Small Oak Barrels. Bold and balanced, a typical Bitner Vineyard Cab, with ample black currant and cassis aroma and smooth vanilla and coffee flavors from the extended barrel regime. While it is tempting to compare the wines to Washington State, the similarities are only on the surface. Enjoyable now, but structured to age and will soften with additional cellaring for years to come.

Customers Viewing This Page Might Also Like These Items