Best Buy! Four stalwart vineyards in the Yakima Valley — Goose Ridge, Oasis, Willard Farms and Willow Crest — combine for this remarkably suave and joyful version of Cab that’s far from ponderous. It’s fruit-forward from start to finish, opening with jammy aromas of dark strawberry, huckleberry and clove. On the palate, its creamy and cherry, ranging from Bing cherry on the … [Read more...] about Sagelands Vineyard 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley, $10
Silvan Ridge Winery 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon, Rogue Valley, $28
A background that includes winemaking at several of Oregon’s most acclaimed wineries — Dobbes Family Estate, Soter and Willamette Valley Vineyards — helps explain how J.P. Valot continues to build upon Silvan Ridge’s reputation with delicious reds. The juice from this bucolic winery in Eugene began a couple hours south in the Rogue Valley. Bright and lively aromas of … [Read more...] about Silvan Ridge Winery 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon, Rogue Valley, $28
Clearwater Canyon Cellars 2014 Merlot, Lewis-Clark Valley, $25
Until May 20, 2016, the Umikers would have been required to use “Idaho/Washington” as the American Viticultural Area on the label. Now they are able to embrace the Lewis-Clark Valley AVA for this Merlot, a mix of their own vineyard in the Lewiston Orchards and the young Rock n'J Vineyard — the easternmost planting in Washington state near the Asotin. The Umikers’ devotion to … [Read more...] about Clearwater Canyon Cellars 2014 Merlot, Lewis-Clark Valley, $25
Fujishin Family Cellars 2015 Reserve Viognier, Snake River Valley, $17
Snake River Valley native Martin Fujishin continues to show his commitment to the Sunnyslope Wine District with his latest version of Viognier, a reserve project with longtime grower Ron Bitner. It’s a charming and hedonistic expression of Viognier as its three months in new French oak barrels create a theme of orange Creamsicle, vanilla and toast. There’s a sheen of banana oil … [Read more...] about Fujishin Family Cellars 2015 Reserve Viognier, Snake River Valley, $17
Feathered Winds Wine 2012 Malbec, Snake River Valley, $18
One of Southern Idaho’s new wineries pays tribute to the legacy of Woodriver Vineyards with this cool-climate Malbec grown in what is now the Eagle Foothills American Viticultural Area. The 30-acre vineyard near the town of Eagle is gone, but this bright red has a long life ahead. Aromas of boysenberry and juniper berry come with lime peel and a pinch of tarragon. Well-managed … [Read more...] about Feathered Winds Wine 2012 Malbec, Snake River Valley, $18