Best Buy! Idaho-grown winemaker Meredith Smith earned the promotion to associate winemaker for Sawtooth during this 2013 vintage, and her meticulous approach to blending Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Syrah and Malbec shows with this delicious and affordable blend from Precept’s own Skyline Vineyard. Two years of 30% new French oak helps create aromas of black … [Read more...] about Sawtooth Estate Winery 2013 Vineyard Select Skyline Red, Snake River Valley, $12
Idaho
Sawtooth Winery 2015 Estate Riesling, Snake River Valley, $13
Best Buy! Idaho continues to earn international acclaim for its work with Riesling, and winemaker Meredith Smith at Sawtooth — and now also Ste. Chapelle - ranks as one of the Pacific Northwest leaders. Her core production with the noble grape of Germany releases inviting aromas of clove and cardamom with fruity notes of pear, apple and grilled apricot. On the palate, it’s … [Read more...] about Sawtooth Winery 2015 Estate Riesling, Snake River Valley, $13
Clearwater Canyon Cellars 2014 Phinny Hill Vineyard Carménère, Washington, $28
Karl and Coco Umiker were competitive cyclists at the University of Idaho when they struck up a friendship with another rider, Dick Beightol. Little did they know they it would blossom into a grower/winemaker relationship that has helped Clearwater Canyon earn West Coast acclaim for its work with this obscure Bordeaux variety. Beightol’s Phinny Hill Vineyard in Washington's … [Read more...] about Clearwater Canyon Cellars 2014 Phinny Hill Vineyard Carménère, Washington, $28
Clearwater Canyon Cellars NV Lolo White Wine, Idaho, $15
Best Buy! Lewis-Clark Valley firebrand Coco Umiker produces only one white wine that’s even slightly off-dry — this friendly and aromatic blend from the 2014 and 2015 vintages off two sites within newly established American Viticultural Area - Arnett Vineyard in Clarkston, Wash., and the Clearwater Canyon Cellars' estate planting in Lewiston, Idaho. Her collection of Pinot Gris … [Read more...] about Clearwater Canyon Cellars NV Lolo White Wine, Idaho, $15
Clearwater Canyon Cellars 2014 Umiker Vineyard Estate Syrah, Lewis-Clark Valley, $28
The pride and joy of Karl and Coco Umiker’s program is their vineyard within the Lewiston (Idaho) Orchards. It's a 6.5-acre planting in the historic Lewis-Clark Valley, and they established it at 1,350 feet elevation in 2003 on their family’s century farm. The Umikers rely on American oak for much of their winemaking, including their Syrah, choosing 30% new barrels for 17 … [Read more...] about Clearwater Canyon Cellars 2014 Umiker Vineyard Estate Syrah, Lewis-Clark Valley, $28