One of the fastest-selling red wines in Idaho each year is Caldwell vintner Mary Bitner’s Menopause Merlot, and this is the fifth release of this rather delicious red with the zany label. The design is created each year by Central Oregon artist Jill Haney-Neal, whose work hangs in Anthony's Restaurants and gets applied to bottles of Kiona Vineyards' Vivacious Vicky. Inside this … [Read more...] about Bitner Vineyards 2012 Menopause Merlot, Snake River Valley, $30
Idaho
Indian Creek Winery 2015 Viognier, Snake River Valley, $12
Best Buy! Snake River Valley winemaker Mike McClure and his wife, Tammy Stowe-McClure, work with two of Idaho’s top vineyards in Sawtooth and Williamson to make this remarkably inexpensive Viognier a reality at their inviting and popular tasting room, winery and estate vineyard in Kuna. Its theme of orange cream, vanilla, almond and tropical fruit comes with a clean entry, … [Read more...] about Indian Creek Winery 2015 Viognier, Snake River Valley, $12
Cinder Wines 2014 Tempranillo, Snake River Valley, $29
Often hailed as Idaho's best winemaker, Cinder co-owner Melanie Krause is making her reputation — and perhaps that of Idaho — with this Spanish variety. This is another great example from the Garden City winery, pulling from three vineyards, Martin Brothers, Sawtooth and Williamson. It releases aromas of bright red fruit, including raspberry and Rainier cherry, followed by … [Read more...] about Cinder Wines 2014 Tempranillo, Snake River Valley, $29
Split Rail Winery NV The Horned Beast Cernunnos Syrah-Grenache-Mourvèdre, Snake River Valley, $29
Boise-area winemaker Jed Glavin used Sawtooth and Williamson vineyards to produce the best red wine of the 2016 Idaho Wine Competition, a Rhône-style blend from the 2014 vintage leading with Syrah and named for Cernunnos, the horned god from Celtic mythology. Luscious aromas offer hints of gaminess, purple fruit and red tones. On the palate, there’s great depth and length, … [Read more...] about Split Rail Winery NV The Horned Beast Cernunnos Syrah-Grenache-Mourvèdre, Snake River Valley, $29
Clearwater Canyon Cellars 2014 Petite Sirah, Washington, $28
The Verhey family’s young Roosevelt Vineyard just downstream from the Horse Heaven Hills along the Columbia River quickly has become a prized spot for the Umikers. And while not all practical, but they could almost transport these grapes by boat to their winery in Lewiston, Idaho, not far from the confluence of the Snake and Clearwater rivers. The nose of sweet oak, coffee, … [Read more...] about Clearwater Canyon Cellars 2014 Petite Sirah, Washington, $28