Boise Coop Wine Shop

Couer d’Alene Cellars

• February 25, 2010

Coeur d’Alene Cellars was founded to create top quality Rhône varietal wines from the best quality fruit found in the Columbia, Walla Walla and Yakima Valleys of Washington State. Owned by Kimber Gates and her parents, Dr. Charlie and Sarah Gates, and their family, it now produces over 3,400 cases each year and has nine current releases. Since its inception in 2002 CDA Cellars has had an excellent response to its wines. The state of the art winery is uniquely located in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, close enough to the award winning vineyards of Eastern Washington to be able to hand harvest fruit in the morning and hand sort it to fermentation tanks before the sun sets.

2008 No. 6 White, $14.99
This unique, off-dry wine blends Viognier’s floral aromas and fruity flavors with the round notes of Semillion and the crisp acidity of Riesling. Refreshing on the nose with notes of bright apricot and banana, the palate is clean and round with flavors of peach and honey. The crisp minerality and acidity balance the off-dry fruitiness and enhance the long clean finish. Great with any pork dish, turkey, cured meats, creamy sauces and citrus salads. Also, great as an aperitif with hors d’oeuvres.
2008 Chardonnay, $18.99
Okay, not a Rhône variety, but great fruit from Stillwater Creek and Lonesome Springs Vineyards makes this Chardonnay an excellent expression of the outstanding terrior of Washington State. Fruit notes of poached pear, bright quince, and a hint of peaches and cream are complemented by butterscotch, vanilla, and soft, toasty oak. Enjoy with shellfish, light meats, sausage spaghetti with white sauce, and flavors of dill and clove.
2008 Viognier, $18.99
The winery’s seventh vintage highlights how well Viognier thrives in the Eastern Washington climate. Gentle vinting techniques preserve the intense fruit and floral character of this Rhone varietal. Warm French oak undertones on the palate lead to a long and creamy finish. It pairs nicely with lighter Asian and Mediterranean dishes, seafood, poultry and spices of thyme, ginger, lemongrass and nutmeg.
2007 No. 6 Red, $18.99
A Columbia Valley blend of Syrah with Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc, the No. 6 is a lush, yet approachable, deep dark red with lots of raspberry and plum aromas. Dark fruit flavors of cherry, plum blueberry, and smoky chocolate balance full-bodied tannins and a soft-smooth finish.
2007 Cloud Nine Red, $20.00
This wine combines Syrah with Viognier and Mourvedre grapes from some of the best vineyards throughout the Columbia Valley including the Horse Heaven and Rattlesnake Hills AVAs. It offers classic ripe Syrah aromas of blueberry, bing cherry, licorice, spice, and a soft elegant palate. Try it paired with grilled chicken, herb-stuffed salmon or pork dishes.
2007 Syrah, $26.00
To make this luscious wine, Coeur d’Alene Cellars combines fruit grown in four premium vineyards from distinct, unique appellations of the Columbia Valley. The result is a complex, complete wine of exceptional quality and intensity,  highlighting the Washington State Syrah experience. The intriguing herbaceous bouquet leads to ripe, red stone fruit flavors (berry, cherry, plum) with spicy notes of chocolate, cedar, lavender, smoke, and a trace of truffle. Barrel aging for 19 months lends a smooth and smoky finish and good structure and fine grained tannins promise great aging potential. Pair with dishes containing beef or lamb, bacon, and spices such as cumin, coriander, allspice, fennel or fresh herbs.