Mike McClure uses Malbec from Williamson Vineyard along the Sunnyslope Wine District as one of the building blocks for his family’s always-stellar Star Garnet. Malbec takes center stage in this bottling, the latest in a fundraising series for outdoors-related non-profits that he and his wife Tammy support. The label designs are provided by Boise artist Rachel Teannalach. This … [Read more...] about Indian Creek Winery 2022 For the Mountains Benefit Series Malbec, Snake River Valley $25
Idaho
Huston Vineyards 2023 Rosé, Snake River Valley $24
The next generation of vintners along Chicken Road near Huston, Idaho, includes winemaker Jacob Alger, and the effort here with Grenache for his family's brand ranks among the best in the Northwest. The 2023 Idaho Winery of the Year by Great Northwest Wine followed up with a juicy 2023 rosé that offers notes of soft peach, candied pear, strawberries and cream, supported by a … [Read more...] about Huston Vineyards 2023 Rosé, Snake River Valley $24
Veer Wine Project 2022 Mataro, Snake River Valley $35
For the second straight year, Boise-area winemaker Will Wetmore used a red Rhône grape to win best of show at the Cascadia International. In 2023, it was with a Grenache. In the spring of 2024, he used Mourvèdre — although he prefers the Spanish word for the variety. As he did with the Grenache, he collaborated with Sawtooth vineyard manager Jake Cragin of Winemakers LLC for … [Read more...] about Veer Wine Project 2022 Mataro, Snake River Valley $35
Kindred Vineyards & Winery 2021 Mamas Merlot, Snake River Valley $36
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
Koenig Vineyards NV Riesling Ice Wine, Snake River Valley $30
One of the premier examples of ice wine produced in the Pacific Northwest — particularly in the U.S — continues to come from the cellar of Koenig Vineyards in Caldwell, Idaho, and nearby Williamson Vineyards. These two Snake River Valley farming families partner on many projects, and while 93% of this is ice wine from the 2021 vintage, the blending trials for the traditional … [Read more...] about Koenig Vineyards NV Riesling Ice Wine, Snake River Valley $30