Boise Coop Wine Shop

Tasting: Cinder Wines

• March 11, 2008

Melanie Krause (the owner, along with husband Joe Scherr, of Cinder wines) grew up in Boise. She attended Washington State University where she graduated in 2000 with degrees in Biology and Spanish. In 2001 she went to work for Stimson Lane, beginning as a vineyard technician but working her way up to assistant wine maker at their Canoe Ridge Estate Winery. After marrying Joe in 2006 she moved back to Boise and started her own winery consulting business. It wasn’t long before she took the plunge and opened Cinder, named after the volcanic remnants found under the vineyards of Idaho’s Snake River appellation. Her wines are catching on quickly (Andrae’s already offers Cinder Viognier by the glass), but come by and taste for yourself. Melanie will be on hand to pour samples and talk about her wines.

2007 Cinder Viognier, $17

White flowers, peach and honeysuckle aromas with just a nice light touch of banana. Both rich and refreshing with good weight and bright acidity. An exceptional wine.

2007 Cinder Rosé $10

Offers lovely rose petal and red berry aromas. On the palate it’s bursting with sweet cherry fruit balanced by zingy acidity. The finish is crisp, dry and refreshing. Great spring rosé.

2006 Cinder Syrah $27

Big black cherry and oak on the nose with touches of graham flour and cocoa. The fruit is just as big in the mouth with lots of vanilla and toasty oak. A smooth wine with a lush finish.