Coco Umiker, a recent recipient of Washington State University's Distinguished Alumni Award, focused on the Lewis-Clark Valley for her reserve-tier Cabernet Sauvignon. The blend of three vineyards - Rock n' J, Arnett and Umiker Estate - spans both Washington and Idaho and spent 22 months in 30% new American oak. Its distinctive theme of dusty black cherry, black currant and … [Read more...] about Clearwater Canyon Cellars 2014 Coco’s Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Lewis-Clark Valley, $42
Idaho
Hat Ranch Winery 2016 Estate Dry Rosé, Snake River Valley, $16
The first harvest of Cabernet Franc off the Hat Ranch estate in Sunnyslope Wine District came Nov. 4 and led to a beautiful dry rosé from retired Air Force pilot Tim Harless. Delicate notes of pink strawberry and Rainier cherry allow for minerality and anise to emerge, all carried along by crisp lemony acidity. This earned the title as best rosé at the 2017 Idaho Wine … [Read more...] about Hat Ranch Winery 2016 Estate Dry Rosé, Snake River Valley, $16
Cinder Wines 2016 Off-Dry Riesling, Snake River Valley $18
The talented Melanie Krause has only recently joined the Riesling revolution, but she's quickly proven herself to be one of the Pacific Northwest's leaders with the noble grape of Germany. She worked with young vineyards in Bankhead and Williamson to chase a citrusy style that's not presented as sweet as it is billed. Delicate notes of jasmine, white peach and Bosc pear come … [Read more...] about Cinder Wines 2016 Off-Dry Riesling, Snake River Valley $18
Coiled Wines 2016 Rizza Sparkling Wine, Snake River Valley, $28
One of the Pacific Northwest's most fascinating expressions with Riesling, Idaho winemaker Leslie Preston presents this in a brut style. Last year, it was Skyline Vineyard near the Snake River that allowed her to present aromas of Key Lime pie, quince and gooseberry. Fine-grained mousse allows for refreshing flavors of Limeade and spearmint, and the residual sugar of 1% makes … [Read more...] about Coiled Wines 2016 Rizza Sparkling Wine, Snake River Valley, $28
Colter’s Creek Winery 2016 Juliaetta Rosé, Lewis-Clark Valley $18
Mike Pearson grew these grapes — Cinsault (45%), Sangiovese (37%) and Mourvèdre - for his winemaking wife Melissa Sanborn across their scenic Colter's Creek Vineyards in Idaho's portion of the historic Lewis-Clark Valley. Each lot was harvested separately, cold-soaked for 48 hours and fermented separately for two weeks. By the end of October, they were finished dry and blended … [Read more...] about Colter’s Creek Winery 2016 Juliaetta Rosé, Lewis-Clark Valley $18