The Umikers helped spearhead the petition for the Lewis-Clark Valley American Viticultural Area, and they’ve used their most expensive wine to help put the new AVA on the map as the Clearwater Canyon Cellars 2013 Selway earned a double gold at this spring’s San Francisco International Wine Competition. It’s a blend named for a scenic tributary of the Clearwater River, and while … [Read more...] about Clearwater Canyon Cellars 2013 Selway Red Wine, Lewis-Clark Valley, $38
Idaho
Sawtooth Winery 2013 Trout Trilogy Syrah, Snake River Valley, $35
Boise native Meredith Smith continues to apply her Washington State University education to delicious ends with the latest cool-climate Syrah under the reserve tier using two blocks inside Sawtooth Vineyard. There’s a dense earthiness to the aromas of dark black currant, blueberry and Montmorency cherry with toast, coffee and chocolate undertones. There’s richness on the entry … [Read more...] about Sawtooth Winery 2013 Trout Trilogy Syrah, Snake River Valley, $35
Huston Vineyards 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon, Snake River Valley, $32
Gregg and Mary Alger celebrate the 10th anniversary of Huston Vineyards along Idaho's Sunnyslope Wine District, launching their winery in 2006 and planting wine grapes. They continue to work with a variety of growers, but a key to their success has been their collaboration with Melanie Krause, winemaker for acclaimed Cinder Wines. Cabernet Sauvignon doesn’t always make it to … [Read more...] about Huston Vineyards 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon, Snake River Valley, $32
Lindsay Creek Vineyards 2010 Counoise, Washington, $27
Sax man Art McIntosh, when not making wine in the Lewis-Clark Valley, performs in a jazz company that plays throughout the Northwest - including wineries in the Walla Walla Valley. That horn work helped him gain access to this Counoise from Forgotten Hills Vineyard, a site in the foothills of the Blue Mountains that might be best known for Syrah from the likes of Rhône … [Read more...] about Lindsay Creek Vineyards 2010 Counoise, Washington, $27
Sawtooth Winery 2015 Classic Fly Series Grenache Rosé, Snake River Valley, $25
Rising star Meredith Smith recently was promoted to become head winemaker at Sawtooth’s big sister - Ste. Chapelle. The hope is that she will continue to produce wines of sophistication such as this Provence-style rosé for Sawtooth despite the additional responsibilities that come with taking over Idaho’s flagship property. Her latest example of rosé carries a delicate pinkish … [Read more...] about Sawtooth Winery 2015 Classic Fly Series Grenache Rosé, Snake River Valley, $25