Boise Coop Wine Shop

Cold Springs Winery

• September 2, 2011

After a rewarding career as a water-rights attorney, Bill Ringert and wife, Bing, segued their shared passion for wine by developing a boutique Idaho winery, Cold Springs. Bill’s comprehensive geologic and hydrologic research led him to select ground on the eastern ledge of the Snake River Plain near Hammett. Spring water from the Lost River Aquifer emerges on the northern corner of the property and volcanic ash in the soil contributes to the high quality and unique character of the wine grapes grown on the estate.

Jamie Martin has been a mainstay of Idaho viticulture since 1980, when he and his family planted their first wine grapes in the Hagerman Valley. His first wine label, Rose Creek, produced internationally-acclaimed wines, laying the foundation for a nascent wine region. His work as a master winemaker has taken him to France, Jeruselum, and the Szechuan region of Western China. In 2002, he began working with Bill & Bing Ringert to develop the vineyards that would become Cold Springs Winery.

The science of wine is a weird science: part technical skill, part mythical alchemy. The soil that bears the vine is a composite of rock, weather, climate, and microrganism, bringing to bear notes and echoes, sense memories of a particular place and growing season. Moths pollinate the blossoms under cover of darkness. The fruit grows. Skins acquire an almanac of the elements—mineral, sun, rain and spring water that has traveled underground aquifers through ancient lava flows. When finally night cools and the fruit is full to bursting, it is time for crush. The concert of microbiology, zymology, and chronology, time itself lending a hand to the crafting of fine wine.

2008 Phren/ology Riesling, $9.49
Apricot and peach aromas lead to flavors of lightly sweet lime and passion fruit with a touch of mineral on the crisp finish. A great choice to pair with spicy Asian cuisine, especially red or yellow curry.

2008 Myth/ology Chardonnay, $9.99
Vanilla nuts on the nose. On the palate, butter and mineral come through up front, backed by melon and citrus fruit flavors with toasty spice on the finish.

Hot Rod Red, $9.99
Cold Springs Winery’s most popular wine has a fruit forward nose with ripe red fruit on the palate. This blend of Cab, Franc, Merlot and Syrah is a lovely ride.