Boise Coop Wine Shop

Sawtooth Winery’s Bill Murray

• September 2, 2010

This weekend we are highlighting one of Idaho’s own, Sawtooth, a pioneering winery in the Snake River AVA. Coming on board as winemaker in 2009, Bill Murray has had a passion for wine for many years. Inspired while travelling Europe, Bill started working in the industry in Napa, California. He worked for Buena Vista Winery while studying viticulture in the evenings at a local community college. A year later, he went to work for Acacia Winery. Bill worked at Acacia for 13 years, first as cellar master, and later as vineyard manager. After Acacia, he moved to Bouchaine Vineyards as an oenologist and associate winemaker. Here’s some info on a few wines that he has helped along since coming on board:

2009 Sawtooth Gerwurtztraminer, $6.99
Elegantly pairs the spicy aromas of clove and allspice with apricot, white peach, and a floral hint of floral. This wine is slightly sweet on the front of the palate and finishes with the distinct varietal characteristics of fruit and spice that linger on the palate. Serve with shellfish, spicy dishes, light meats, pasta with cream sauce and lightly sweet desserts.
2009 Sawtooth Pinot Gris, $10.99
This complex and vibrant wine is a becoming a favorite among wine drinkers. The aromas combine pear, mineral notes, and a slight hint of orange and lime. The focused acidity is balanced by ripe fruit flavors resulting in a food friendly wine that goes well with most types of seafood, pasta, mild dips and cheeses.
2007 Sawtooth Syrah, $10.99
This wine has rich earthy aromas with hints of blueberry and smoke. Rich and supple in the mouth with dark fruit, licorice and spice, and long smooth tannins on the finish.