Best Buy! Idaho’s aptly named Arena Valley Vineyard has helped display the potential of the Snake River Valley, and 2023 marks the 25th anniversary of grower/winemaker Scott DeSeelhorst’s brand. His work from the 75-acre site at 2,300 feet, first planted in 1983, yielded the only “Best Buy!” of our tasting. It’s a bright, focused and balanced Malbec loaded with blueberries, … [Read more...] about Snake River Winery 2021 Estate Malbec, Snake River Valley $20
Idaho
Hat Ranch Winery 2020 Malbec, Snake River Valley $33
In 2019, Great Northwest Wine selected Timothy Harless as the Idaho Winery of the Year. Two years later, his assistant winemaker, Will Wetmore, earned Winery to Watch acclaim for his Veer Wine Project. Here, they teamed up for Idaho’s top Malbec in our tasting, working with a trio of vineyards — Rockspur, Williamson and Sawtooth. “This is true Malbec,” remarked one judge, who … [Read more...] about Hat Ranch Winery 2020 Malbec, Snake River Valley $33
Bitner Vineyards 2018 Syrah, Snake River Valley $46
Internationally renowned bee researcher Ron Bitner likes to refer to the wines designed for him by Greg Koenig as “my retirement plan.” This Syrah is the sixth Platinum in six years for this Sunnyslope producer, whose Plum Road estate offers a Chamber of Commerce view of the Snake River Valley. Its inviting nose gathers up blackberry, cured meats, allspice and clove components, … [Read more...] about Bitner Vineyards 2018 Syrah, Snake River Valley $46
Clearwater Canyon Cellars 2018 Heritage Series Louis Delsol Cabernet Sauvignon, Lewis-Clark Valley $32
Of her 41 Platinum Awards, Coco Umiker had used stand-alone bottlings of Cabernet Sauvignon for five of those, starting with the 2014 vintage. Traditionally, her Louis Delsol program has involved three vineyards in the bi-state valley — Umiker Estate, Rock ‘n J and Arnett, and the results are classic Cab, starting with aromas of deep black fruits, red bell pepper and a pinch of … [Read more...] about Clearwater Canyon Cellars 2018 Heritage Series Louis Delsol Cabernet Sauvignon, Lewis-Clark Valley $32
Parejas Cellars 2019 Appaloosa Red, Lewis-Clark Valley $37
The federal government established the Lewis-Clark Valley in 2016, making it a bi-state American Viticultural Area, and Mark Wysling of Parejas Cellars worked both sides of the Snake River for this straightforward blend. His Merlot (70%) came from Arnett Vineyard in Clarkston, Wash., while the Cabernet Sauvignon was off Sweetwater Vineyard east of Lewiston, Idaho. It’s a bold … [Read more...] about Parejas Cellars 2019 Appaloosa Red, Lewis-Clark Valley $37