Wine Press Northwest magazine’s reigning Idaho Winery of the Year reaches into acclaimed Washington vineyards for Bordeaux varieties, but Telaya doesn't roam nearly as far for its Rhône grapes. Earl Sullivan’s youthful Mourvèdre from Skyline Vineyard in the Snake River Valley creates aromas hinting at freshly cracked black pepper, black plum, black cherry, cigar box and savory … [Read more...] about Telaya Wine Co. 2014 Mourvèdre, Snake River Valley, $35
Idaho
Clearwater Canyon Cellars 2014 Renaissance Red, Lewis-Clark Valley, $23
The Umikers helped spark the renaissance of the historic Lewis-Clark Valley wine industry when they launched Clearwater Canyon Cellars with this proprietary blend in 2004. The first 100 cases of the 2014 vintage were labeled with the Washington/Idaho appellation. However, the blend is made from Umiker Vineyard in Lewiston, Idaho, and Rock n’ J Vineyard near Asotin, Wash., so on … [Read more...] about Clearwater Canyon Cellars 2014 Renaissance Red, Lewis-Clark Valley, $23
Sawtooth Winery 2015 Estate Pinot Gris, Snake River Valley, $12
Best Buy! One of Idaho’s premier vineyards leads to one of the state’s largest productions of Pinot Gris year after year. Fruit-forward aromas of pear butter, Golden Delicious apple, gooseberry and lime peel are mirrored on the palate. The pleasing mouth feel offers roundness of Spanish almond before the cleansing blast of citrusy acidity and Bosc pear skin creates a dry … [Read more...] about Sawtooth Winery 2015 Estate Pinot Gris, Snake River Valley, $12
Lindsay Creek Vineyards 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon, Washington, $24
Lewis-Clark Valley wheat growers Art and Doug McIntosh were able to include a portion of their estate Cabernet Sauvignon in this rather approachable bottling that drew heavily from standout Washington sites Destiny Ridge in the Horse Heaven Hills and Elephant Mountain in the Rattlesnake Hills. Oak lovers will embrace its aromas of dark toast and coffee with chocolate-covered … [Read more...] about Lindsay Creek Vineyards 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon, Washington, $24
Lindsay Creek Vineyards 2014 Riesling, Washington, $15
Best Buy! As the wheat-growing McIntosh brothers plant vines in the newly established Lewis-Clark Valley American Viticultural Area, they continue to rely on Washington for the large majority of their winery production. This affordable Riesling, made with grapes from O’Brien Vineyard in the Yakima Valley, gave winemaking Art McIntosh a lot to offer. Aromas of Ambrosia apple, … [Read more...] about Lindsay Creek Vineyards 2014 Riesling, Washington, $15