Owner/winemaker Craig Davis was inspired to enter the Idaho wine industry after a trip to Italy, which also helps explain the menu of wood-fired pizza that he offers to his by-appointment visitors each weekend at his Sunnyslope estate along Frost Road west of Ste. Chapelle. Beyond his Sangiovese program - which earned best-of-class acclaim at the 2023 Cascadia International - … [Read more...] about Kindred Vineyards & Winery 2021 Mamas Merlot, Snake River Valley $36
Reustle-Prayer Rock Vineyards 2022 Estate Selection Hefeabzug Grüner Veltliner, Umpqua Valley $34
Stephen Reustle’s expression of Grüner Veltliner that spends time on the lees — hefeabzug translates to yeast-aged — offers scents of sea breeze, crushed oyster shells, timothy hay and Mandarin orange peel, leading to a palate filled with a melange of citrus, slate and Granny Smith apple. Reustle’s success in the vineyard and the following for his program has paved the way for … [Read more...] about Reustle-Prayer Rock Vineyards 2022 Estate Selection Hefeabzug Grüner Veltliner, Umpqua Valley $34
Sigillo Cellars 2020 Carménère, Wahluke Slope $40
The Seal family has earned five Platinum Awards in the past four years, each for a red wine. Here, they work with historic Weinbau Vineyard on the Wahluke Slope for Carménère, and there’s some Cabernet Sauvignon for added texture. Aromas range from dried cherries and figs to mild baking spices, a hint of vanilla and a slice of bell pepper. On the palate, it’s plummy with a … [Read more...] about Sigillo Cellars 2020 Carménère, Wahluke Slope $40
Barnard Griffin Winery 2022 Albariño, Columbia Valley $25
The father/daughter winemaking team of Rob Griffin and Megan Hughes have staked their claim to a sizable portion of the Crawford family’s popular Albariño grapes. And the results from this Yakima Valley site are predictably stellar. This hints at white peach on the nose with trimmed carnation stems, leading to a refreshing and mineral-driven palate of lemon pith, banana peel, … [Read more...] about Barnard Griffin Winery 2022 Albariño, Columbia Valley $25
Benedetto Vineyards 2021 Shipman Vineyard Gamay Noir, Willamette Valley $28
The Fitzgerald and Marshall families began planting Shipman Vineyard in 2018, starting with 2 acres of Gamay Noir, and they have wisely worked with veteran winemaker Steve Anderson of nearby Eola Hills Wine Cellars to launch their brand. The Oregon State University grad captured the hearts of judges at the 2023 Platinum Awards with his remarkable effort showcasing this charming … [Read more...] about Benedetto Vineyards 2021 Shipman Vineyard Gamay Noir, Willamette Valley $28