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Clearwater Canyon Cellars 2018 Umiker Estate Vineyard Coco’s Reserve Selway, Lewis-Clark Valley $45
The Selway River tumbles at the Montana/Idaho border and later meets the Clearwater River, down the hills from Coco & Karl Umiker’s century farm in the Lewiston Orchards. Coco’s approach to this is Meritage in style, and while her 2017 led with Carménère from Washington’s famed Phinney Hill, here it is all from the Umiker estate, so there’s a special sense of pride in this blend of Merlot (75%), Cabernet Franc (13%), Cabernet Sauvignon (10%) and Petit Verdot. Black plum, blue fruit, florals and spice waft up and tickly the nose. The palate is plush and velvety with well-managed tannins that bring a delicious chocolate and coffee conclusion, earning it a gold medal at this spring’s Cascadia International Wine Competition.
Rating: Outstanding!
Production: 119 cases
Alcohol: 14.4%
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