Boise Coop Wine Shop

Weekend Tasting: Yellow Hawk Cellar

• April 16, 2008

Our wines are named for where we live and made for how we live.

Tim Sampson and Barbara Hetrick, the husband and wife team behind Yellow Hawk Cellars, met through wine when they both joined a tasting group in La Grande, Oregon. They’re shared interest evolved to the point where the couple moved to Walla Walla with Tim working under the tutelage of John Abbott at Canoe Ridge from 1995 to 2000. For the next two years Tim served as the cellar master at Seven Hill, then he and Barbara struck out on their own. While they appreciated the Merlot, Cabernet and Syrah that put Walla Walla on the map, they decided to concentrate on lesser known, Italian varieties. Their winery is housed in a turn-of-the-20th century horse barn next to the clear, cold waters of Yellow Hawk Creek.

2004 Yellow Hawk Cellar Sangiovese, $16.99

This is a classically styled Sangiovese with big plum, fig and smoke aromas. The flavors are highlighted by dried cherry, mild spice, soft tannins and light oak. Pair it with tomato based dishes like spaghetti marinara, lasagna or minestrone. And it would go great with spring run salmon, a plate of cheese or roasted veggies and meat.

2006 Yellow Hawk Cellar Muscat Canelli, $10.99

At just .6% residual sugar (less than many Chardonnays) this is a dry-styled muscat with fragrant tropical notes balanced by crisp citrus. The fruit flavors are rich and ripe making for a perfect match with spicy Thai, Cajun or Indian curries as well as fruit and cheese courses. Or serve it well chilled as a spring aperitiff.