Best Buy! A tribute to a tributary of the Clearwater River, the Umikers create this blend of Chardonnay (66%), Viognier (19%) and Riesling using their Lewiston, Idaho estate vineyard as well as Arnett Vineyard in Clarkston, Wash. Both plantings are within four miles of the winery. It carries a golden color provides aromas of ripe pear, Pink Lady apple, chalkboard dust and … [Read more...] about Clearwater Canyon Cellars 2013 Lochsa White Wine, Idaho, $15
Idaho
Sawtooth Winery 2012 Estate Riesling, Snake River Valley, $12
Best Buy! Idaho’s largest production of Riesling outside of sister property Ste. Chapelle takes on a more Alsace approach, starting with aromas of petrol, baked apple, kiwi and lemon. The residual sugar of 2.4% takes this down a path akin to late harvest at the start, but there’s plenty of acidity to balance as the flavor profile features peach, apricot and lingering … [Read more...] about Sawtooth Winery 2012 Estate Riesling, Snake River Valley, $12
Fujishin Family Cellars 2012 Viognier, Snake River Valley, $15
Best Buy! Winemaker and vineyard consultant Martin Fujishin works extensively in Caldwell, Idaho, with Sunny Slope grower Ron Bitner’s fruit both for wines under the Koenig Vineyards and Bitner Vineyards labels. This production of 100% Viognier by the College of Idaho grad comes from Bitner’s Plum Road site, and there’s no wood getting in the way here. There are aromas and … [Read more...] about Fujishin Family Cellars 2012 Viognier, Snake River Valley, $15
Ste. Chapelle 2012 Sauvignon Blanc, Snake River Valley, $12
Best Buy! Skyline Vineyard — Idaho’s largest planting — also serves as an estate site for one of the biggest brands in Precept Wine’s growing portfolio. A whiff of gooseberry leads into aromas of honeysuckle, minerality and apple box. While the entry carries a bit of residual sugar, the palate is rapidly built with mouthwatering lime juice before the lick of Jolly Rancher apple … [Read more...] about Ste. Chapelle 2012 Sauvignon Blanc, Snake River Valley, $12
Lost West Winery NV Old Shed White, Snake River Valley, $11
Best Buy! A second label for Fujishin Family Cellars, the target market for these wines are Sunnyslope tourists and those just beginning their experiences with wine. This nonvintage blend of Viognier (75%) and Riesling is crafted all in stainless steel, and that shows in its fruit-forward tones of Ambrosia salad, baked apple and dried apricot. The sweetness level is along the … [Read more...] about Lost West Winery NV Old Shed White, Snake River Valley, $11