Businesses typically monitor two or three major indexes throughout each year to help guide them toward success. For example, bankers pay attention to the “Three Cs” of credit — capacity, character and collateral — when they put loans on the books. Another three C’s — competition, climate and coronavirus — created problems for Gem State winemakers throughout the … [Read more...] about Idaho wine industry feels impact as nation’s fastest-growing state
Idaho
Clearwater Canyon Cellars 2019 Estate Syrah, Lewis-Clark Valley, $32
Among the early indicators that Karl and Coco Umiker were on the right track with their vines in the Lewiston Orchards arrived when their 2014 Umiker Vineyard Estate Syrah was awarded a Platinum in 2016. Five years later, here they are with another Platinum for their estate Syrah. Aromas of cassis syrup, huckleberry jam and black tea lead to flavors of sweet black plum and … [Read more...] about Clearwater Canyon Cellars 2019 Estate Syrah, Lewis-Clark Valley, $32
Clearwater Canyon Cellars 2019 Coco’s Reserve Petite Sirah, Washington, $38
The Umikers’s ongoing relationship with the Verhey family — which farms Roosevelt Ridge near the Columbia Gorge and its namesake planting near Yakima — is on display with the Clearwater Canyon program for Petite Sirah. This marks their third Platinum with the boisterous red Rhône grape, which speaks loudly with bold purple fruit, sage and white pepper. “Petite Sirah is … [Read more...] about Clearwater Canyon Cellars 2019 Coco’s Reserve Petite Sirah, Washington, $38
Clearwater Canyon Cellars 2018 The Wine Project Red Wine, Washington $32
The product of a young proprietary blend approach by Wine Press Northwest’s 2020 Pacific Northwest Winery of the Year results in a Double Platinum as Petit Verdot (61%), Petite Sirah (30%) and Carménère come together. Black currant, ripe blackberry notes include lavender and fresh peach. There’s nothing petite about the structure, but the tannins are knitted up while still … [Read more...] about Clearwater Canyon Cellars 2018 The Wine Project Red Wine, Washington $32
Clearwater Canyon Cellars 2018 Merlot, Lewis-Clark Valley $28
Coco Umiker earned her second career Platinum back in 2014 via a 2012 Merlot from her home state of Idaho. She’s back with this example from the Lewis-Clark Valley, where she traditionally pulls from Umiker Estate Vineyard as well as Rock n'J Vineyard, the easternmost vineyard in Washington state. It bursts with black raspberry, mocha and coffee notes in a complex fashion that … [Read more...] about Clearwater Canyon Cellars 2018 Merlot, Lewis-Clark Valley $28