BOISE, Idaho — Did it make sense to bring Walla Walla wines to Boise for a day in March? From both sides of the border, the answer is yes. Just a four-hour drive from Idaho’s state capital, and even less from the Moscow-Lewiston area, the Walla Walla Valley is one of the first places Gem State wine fans gravitate to when they seek out wine experiences. With more than … [Read more...] about Gem State Report: Walla Walla Wine tours Treasure Valley
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Kerry Hill Winery 2019 Monarch Tempranillo, Snake River Valley $35
Portland-based entrepreneur Mindy Mayer’s path to the Idaho wine industry is inspirational, and this estate-grown Tempranillo was in barrel two years ago when Kerry Hill was named Idaho Winery to Watch. Hat Ranch winemaker Tim Harless notches his first Platinum with this work for Mayer, and the wine opens with cherries, vanilla and chai spice. Inside, it’s loaded with cherry … [Read more...] about Kerry Hill Winery 2019 Monarch Tempranillo, Snake River Valley $35
Clearwater Canyon Cellars 2021 Umiker Estate Vineyard Lochsa Chardonnay, Lewis-Clark Valley $22
Once the Umikers built a wine production facility with refrigerated tanks on their family’s Century farm, they began developing their white wine program. As a result, this Chardonnay ranks among their most memorable efforts to this point — their first estate-grown white wine to earn a Platinum. Inviting aromas of orange blossom, apples sautéed in butter and light oak lead to a … [Read more...] about Clearwater Canyon Cellars 2021 Umiker Estate Vineyard Lochsa Chardonnay, Lewis-Clark Valley $22
Rolling Hills Vineyard 2018 Bleu Mascot Red Wine, Walla Walla Valley/Snake River Valley $36
The Pasculli family honors the life of their beloved golden retriever — Bleu — with this blend of Malbec (51%) and Cabernet Sauvignon that includes Walla Walla Valley grapes. Consulting winemaker Angela Shaltry played a role in this sultry, herby and balanced drink of black cherry and blackberry that picks up sage and black peppercorns. A Snake River Valley animal shelter … [Read more...] about Rolling Hills Vineyard 2018 Bleu Mascot Red Wine, Walla Walla Valley/Snake River Valley $36
Clearwater Canyon rocks October with Albariño from ‘Stella’ vintage
HOOD RIVER, Ore. — On the same day Karl and Coco Umiker dropped bins at Crawford Vineyard in the Yakima Valley, their Clearwater Canyon Cellars 2021 Crawford Vineyard Albariño earned a double gold medal and best of class at the 10th annual Great Northwest Invitational Wine Competition. The next day, Oct. 6, 2022, their Albariño emerged from the sweepstakes as the judging’s … [Read more...] about Clearwater Canyon rocks October with Albariño from ‘Stella’ vintage