Ten of Coco Umiker’s 34 career Platinums have come from standalone bottlings featuring the red Bordeaux variety once thought to have been driven to the brink of extinction by the 19th century plague of phylloxera in France. Fortunately, Carménère thrives in the Pacific Northwest, particularly at Phinny Hill Vineyard in the Horse Heaven Hills. Classic notes of green peppercorn … [Read more...] about Clearwater Canyon Cellars 2018 Coco’s Reserve Carménère, Washington $42
Idaho
Holesinsky Winery and Vineyard 2020 Sparkling Unicorn Rosé of Syrah, Snake River Valley $18
The Holesinskys recently launched this portion of their program, which they playfully refer to as their “Pacific Cooler.” In the judging arena, where the label isn’t seen, this sparkling rosé made with Syrah comes across deliciously serious. Aromas of raspberry, strawberry and fresh-baked bread come through along with a thread of spice. It offers beautiful vibrancy to balance … [Read more...] about Holesinsky Winery and Vineyard 2020 Sparkling Unicorn Rosé of Syrah, Snake River Valley $18
Domaine Holesinsky 2019 Gertschen Vineyard Buhljolais Rosé of Syrah, Snake River Valley, $12
Best Buy! Southern Idaho winemaker James Holesinsky celebrated the 20th anniversary of his eponymous project in 2021, and he and chemist/wife Caitlin, are producing the best wines in the history of the Hagerman Valley brand. This project with Syrah from nearby Gertschen Vineyard leads to an expressive rosé that’s filled with watermelon, golden raspberries and spice in the nose. … [Read more...] about Domaine Holesinsky 2019 Gertschen Vineyard Buhljolais Rosé of Syrah, Snake River Valley, $12
Cinder Wines 2020 Dry Viognier, Snake River Valley $28
Boise native Melanie Krause recently has built a reputation as one of the Northwest’s leaders with Viognier. She burnished that in 2021 via the consistent showing for her blend of three vineyards — Emerald Slope, Sawtooth and Williamson. Apple blossom, apricot and white peach aromas spill out across the palate, where there’s a light sheen of oil to give weight to the body, and … [Read more...] about Cinder Wines 2020 Dry Viognier, Snake River Valley $28
Clearwater Canyon Cellars 2018 Renaissance Red, Lewis-Clark Valley $23
For the third straight year, Coco “Empress of the Platinum” Umiker has used her entry-level “Renaissance Red” — a tribute to the renaissance of her valley’s wine industry — to earn yet another Platinum. While the foundation is Syrah (53%) from Umiker Vineyard, Carménère (11%) plays a significant role behind Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon as blackberry, plum skins, blood orange … [Read more...] about Clearwater Canyon Cellars 2018 Renaissance Red, Lewis-Clark Valley $23