The federal government established the Lewis-Clark Valley in 2016, making it a bi-state American Viticultural Area, and Mark Wysling of Parejas Cellars worked both sides of the Snake River for this straightforward blend. His Merlot (70%) came from Arnett Vineyard in Clarkston, Wash., while the Cabernet Sauvignon was off Sweetwater Vineyard east of Lewiston, Idaho. It’s a bold … [Read more...] about Parejas Cellars 2019 Appaloosa Red, Lewis-Clark Valley $37
Idaho
Two Bad Labs Vineyard 2021 Sèmillon, Lewis-Clark Valley $25
Along the upper reaches of the Lewis-Clark Valley near Tammany Creek, grower/winemaker Paul Sullivan has found a sweet spot for Sèmillon and used the white Bordeaux to attain his first Platinum. The golden color brings with it a lightly floral nose with apple blossom, fresh peach and springtime lemongrass. The pour is one of pineapple, sweet peach tea and Pink Lady apple, … [Read more...] about Two Bad Labs Vineyard 2021 Sèmillon, Lewis-Clark Valley $25
Kerry Hill Winery 2019 Monarch Tempranillo, Snake River Valley $35
Portland-based entrepreneur Mindy Mayer’s path to the Idaho wine industry is inspirational, and this estate-grown Tempranillo was in barrel two years ago when Kerry Hill was named Idaho Winery to Watch. Hat Ranch winemaker Tim Harless notches his first Platinum with this work for Mayer, and the wine opens with cherries, vanilla and chai spice. Inside, it’s loaded with cherry … [Read more...] about Kerry Hill Winery 2019 Monarch Tempranillo, Snake River Valley $35
Clearwater Canyon Cellars NV Waha II Red Wine, Washington State $28
The story behind this ongoing, multi-vintage tier begins with several barrels of red wine that were held back from the 2015 vintage, setting the table for Coco Umiker’s inaugural Waha. Next, she sent wine from those selected barrels through fresh lees from some 2016 reds and returned that wine to barrel. She’s continued that process, blending in other select barrels from each … [Read more...] about Clearwater Canyon Cellars NV Waha II Red Wine, Washington State $28
Clearwater Canyon Cellars 2020 Renaissance Red, Lewis-Clark Valley $25
The name of this proprietary red serves as Karl and Coco Umiker’s tribute to the rebirth of the wine industry in the Lewis-Clark Valley, which was destroyed when Nez Perce County went dry in 1910 — a decade before the rest of the U.S. fell under the federal grip of Prohibition. This bottling of grapes only from the L-C Valley marks the fifth consecutive vintage that “Ren Red” … [Read more...] about Clearwater Canyon Cellars 2020 Renaissance Red, Lewis-Clark Valley $25