Best Buy! The Williamson family was a strong supporter of Ste. Michelle’s Riesling Rendezvous, and their time surrounded by many of the world’s top Riesling producers prompted the family to take their program into a drier style. That has led James and Sydney Nederend of Koenig Vineyards to do the same, and it resulted in one of the best Rieslings of this year’s Platinum. Aromas … [Read more...] about Koenig Vineyards 2022 Williamson Vineyard Dry Riesling, Snake River Valley $18
Idaho
Koenig Vineyards 2021 Chardonnay, Snake River Valley $22
Only two other Chardonnay entries received more points at this year’s Platinum than the Nederend family entry, so this reserve style ranks among the best in the Northwest. The oak influence is exemplified with notes of nuttiness with sweet cream and toffee alongside ripe pineapple and fresh-garden greens. A trail of butter and citrus zest makes for a long and lingering finish. … [Read more...] about Koenig Vineyards 2021 Chardonnay, Snake River Valley $22
Veer Wine Project 2021 Mataro, Snake River Valley $34
In a relatively short time, Will Wetmore has developed into one of Idaho’s most decorated winemakers. Veer is his own ultra-boutique brand, and this work with Mourvèdre is the first Platinum that he didn’t make for one of his clients. It’s a two-barrel reflection of Block 71 at historic Sawtooth Vineyard, and the juice spent 11 months in 50% new American oak. The results … [Read more...] about Veer Wine Project 2021 Mataro, Snake River Valley $34
Clearwater Canyon Cellars 2020 The Wine Project, Idaho 60%, Washington 40% $32
The diminutive Coco Umiker goes Petit/ Petite heavy with her latest Wine Project, earning her second Platinum in three years for the blend. This formula of Petit Verdot (43%) and Petite Sirah (30%), followed by Cabernet Sauvignon (11%), Carménère, Cabernet Franc (5%) and Malbec is a collection from the three vineyards in Washington she works with and those near her Lewiston, … [Read more...] about Clearwater Canyon Cellars 2020 The Wine Project, Idaho 60%, Washington 40% $32
Famici Wine Co. 2020 Vineyard Blend Red Wine, Snake River Valley $45
Boise State geoscientist C.J. Northrup has been a part of the Snake River Valley wine industry for a couple of decades, and his young vineyard along Hoskins Road on the Sunnyslope has proved its maturity with this estate blend that resulted in his first Platinum Award. It’s also another example of the region’s future with Petit Verdot, which at 60% drives the Bordeaux-only … [Read more...] about Famici Wine Co. 2020 Vineyard Blend Red Wine, Snake River Valley $45