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” has gone Platinum, starting with the 2016 vintage, and the Umikers have only raised the price of their flagship wine by $2 since the string began. Unlike the previous vintage, Malbec (50%) leads this blend backed by Cabernet Sauvignon (36%), Syrah (5%), Carménère (4%), Merlot (3%) and Cabernet Franc, and it’s redolent of rose petals carried along by an ocean breeze, red licorice, Karmelkorn and cardamon, backed by boysenberry and a buttery-smooth structure that almost melts in the mouth. Qualifying award: Bellingham NW (double gold)
Rating: Platinum • 93 points
Production: 475 cases
Alcohol: 14.5%
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