The story of Louis Delsol, the Frenchman who established the Lewis-Clark Valley’s first vineyard in 1872, continues to be retold in delicious fashion by the Umikers. Coco Umiker works with Cabernet Sauvignon grown by her husband, Karl, as well as two other L-C Valley sites — Arnett Vineyard and Rock n’ J Vineyard. Its theme of blackberry cobbler, muscovado sugar, forest floor, … [Read more...] about Clearwater Canyon Cellars 2021 Heritage Series Louis Delsol Cabernet Sauvignon, Lewis-Clark Valley $36
Idaho
Cinder Wines 2022 Emerald Slope Vineyard Verdejo, Snake River Valley $28
When Melanie Krause’s work with this Spanish white grape made international headlines, officials in Texas correctly credited it as an Oregon wine. That’s because the Martin family’s Emerald Slope Vineyard is on the Oregon side of the Snake River near the town of Adrian. Early aromas of thyme, lemongrass and oregon are quickly overtaken by hints of luscious tropical and stone … [Read more...] about Cinder Wines 2022 Emerald Slope Vineyard Verdejo, Snake River Valley $28
Koenig Vineyards 2022 Williamson Vineyard Dry Riesling, Snake River Valley $18
Best Buy! The Williamson family was a strong supporter of Ste. Michelle’s Riesling Rendezvous, and their time surrounded by many of the world’s top Riesling producers prompted the family to take their program into a drier style. That has led James and Sydney Nederend of Koenig Vineyards to do the same, and it resulted in one of the best Rieslings of this year’s Platinum. Aromas … [Read more...] about Koenig Vineyards 2022 Williamson Vineyard Dry Riesling, Snake River Valley $18
Koenig Vineyards 2021 Chardonnay, Snake River Valley $22
Only two other Chardonnay entries received more points at this year’s Platinum than the Nederend family entry, so this reserve style ranks among the best in the Northwest. The oak influence is exemplified with notes of nuttiness with sweet cream and toffee alongside ripe pineapple and fresh-garden greens. A trail of butter and citrus zest makes for a long and lingering finish. … [Read more...] about Koenig Vineyards 2021 Chardonnay, Snake River Valley $22
Veer Wine Project 2021 Mataro, Snake River Valley $34
In a relatively short time, Will Wetmore has developed into one of Idaho’s most decorated winemakers. Veer is his own ultra-boutique brand, and this work with Mourvèdre is the first Platinum that he didn’t make for one of his clients. It’s a two-barrel reflection of Block 71 at historic Sawtooth Vineyard, and the juice spent 11 months in 50% new American oak. The results … [Read more...] about Veer Wine Project 2021 Mataro, Snake River Valley $34