Lisa Grigg and her husband, Michael, have a small vineyard in tiny Juliaetta, Idaho, with plans to establish vines at two other sites. One of the first efforts by this Lewis-Clark Valley winery is this blend built upon the shoulders of Petit Verdot (75%) from the Walla Walla Valley with Syrah from the Columbia Valley. The theme of dark purple fruit includes savory notes of … [Read more...] about Jovinea Cellars 2016 Mel’s Victory Red, Walla Walla Valley & Columbia Valley, $24
Idaho
Clearwater Canyon Cellars 2016 Renaissance Red, Lewis-Clark Valley $23
Idaho winemaker Coco Umiker created her latest edition of her flagship wine - Renaissance Red - by blending Malbec (34%), Merlot (28%), Cabernet Franc (15%), Cabernet Sauvignon (12%) and Carmenere (2) with Syrah (9%) using vineyards overseen by her husband, Karl. It opens with spice, black and blue fruit and elegant oak aromas, backed by dark berries, cassis and black plum on … [Read more...] about Clearwater Canyon Cellars 2016 Renaissance Red, Lewis-Clark Valley $23
Indian Creek Winery 2016 Reserve Monastrell, Snake River Valley, $28
The folks at Indian Creek Winery in Idaho's Snake River Valley label their fascinating Mourvèdre with its Spanish name, Monastrell. Designated as "reserve," its nose is full of snappy red fruit, rose petal, cracked pepper and eucalyptus. In the mouth, there's more Bing cherry and enjoyable acidity of pomegranate, then smooth black olive tannins and smoked bacon. Pair this … [Read more...] about Indian Creek Winery 2016 Reserve Monastrell, Snake River Valley, $28
Colter’s Creek Winery 2015 Tempranillo, Lewis-Clark Valley $20
Idaho winemaker Melissa Sanborn had her grower/husband Mike Pearson harvest all of the Tempranillo by Oct. 10 for this first commercial release of their estate work with this Spanish red grape, and it serves as yet another example of the quality of wine coming out of the historic Lewis-Clark Valley. Touches of Graciano and Grenache, along with 20 months in 30% new oak all … [Read more...] about Colter’s Creek Winery 2015 Tempranillo, Lewis-Clark Valley $20
Sawtooth Winery 2017 Pinot Gris, American, $13
Best Buy! This Pinot Gris produced by Ste. Chapelle's Meredith Smith is an indication of the savage winter damage that haunted Idaho growers and winemakers during the 2017 vintage. While the bottle reads, "Proudly produced in Idaho," the fruit came from beyond the borders of the Gem State. It's a blend of styles, opening with apricot pie, butterscotch and minerally aromas that … [Read more...] about Sawtooth Winery 2017 Pinot Gris, American, $13