Arnett Vineyard in Clarkston, Wash., and Umiker Vineyard in Lewiston, Idaho, come together for this aromatic blend that continues to features Pinot Gris (25%), Muscat (22%) and Gewurztraminer (17%) but there are also significant contributions of Chardonnay (19%) and Viognier (14%). There’s a tropical theme because of the three varieties of Muscat (Ottonel, Canelli and Orange) … [Read more...] about Clearwater Canyon Cellars 2016 Lolo White Wine, Lewis-Clark Valley, $18
Idaho
Coiled Wines 2015 Sparkling Rizza, Snake River Valley, $28
Leslie Preston trained in Napa’s tony Stags Leap District where Cab is king, but the Idaho native continues to devote more of her time and energy to Riesling in multiple forms, including her fun bubbles project that continues to grow. She collaborates with Andrew Davis of Radiant Sparkling Wine Co., in Dundee, Ore., and they capture aromas of nectarine, pear syrup, apple pectin … [Read more...] about Coiled Wines 2015 Sparkling Rizza, Snake River Valley, $28
Indian Creek Winery 2014 Touriga Naçional, Snake River Valley, $29
While this traditional Port-style variety finds its way into Mike McClure’s fortified program, these three barrels off Arena Valley Vineyard from the 2014 vintage proved too stellar to blend away, prompting the University of Idaho grad to produce this standalone bottling. Viewed as Portugal’s top red and its answer to Cab, McClure presents it in delicious fashion. There are … [Read more...] about Indian Creek Winery 2014 Touriga Naçional, Snake River Valley, $29
Telaya Wine Co. 2014 Syrah, Snake River Valley, $30
The Sullivans continue to grow their program in Idaho’s Snake River Valley, and they doubled production of their dark and savory Syrah off Sawtooth Vineyard for the 2014 vintage. The fragrant nose of mocha, salted caramel and cola includes black olive, sandalwood and toast - signs of the 20 months in French oak. Its pleasing structure of dark blue fruit, akin to black currant, … [Read more...] about Telaya Wine Co. 2014 Syrah, Snake River Valley, $30
Telaya Wine Co. 2014 Daniel Vineyard Merlot, Snake River Valley, $45
Idaho winemakers Earl and Carrie Sullivan turn much of their attention to famed producers in Washington state’s Columbia Valley such as Boushey and Quintessence for their Bordeaux varieties. And yet, they’ve established a relationship with Dave Daniel’s vineyard south of Lake Lowell in the Snake River Valley. This signaled a bounce-back vintage for Daniel, whose site on the … [Read more...] about Telaya Wine Co. 2014 Daniel Vineyard Merlot, Snake River Valley, $45