Idaho wines can be world-class and deserve a role on the world stage. I remember tasting the entry level Idaho wines 20 years ago and was not impressed. Top wines from Idaho today are eons above the wines of yesteryear that I tasted. Truly one of most scenic wineries that you will find in the Pacific Northwest — Rivaura. Set on a stunning riverfront location just outside of Lewiston, Idaho, on the Clearwater River, it was back in 2014 that Rivaura founders Ron Hewett, Sr., along with his sons Ron, Jr., and Reece Hewett, founded this winery. For more than 60 years, this family has grown up along the banks of the Clearwater River in the Lewis-Clark Valley, just a tad east of Lewiston, Idaho at Arrow near Juliaetta, Idaho.
Before starting Rivaura the Hewetts talked to Kevin Pogue, PhD, RG, of VinTerra Consulting who confirmed that their site was perfect for grape growing. This is a very windy site with small berry size that leads to great concentration.
Billo Naravane, MW, of Rasa Vineyards fame has totally transformed this wine program as he has with other programs. He has made another sensational lineup across the board. I love the new 2021 Rivaura Syrah (OB, 94) which is almost Rocks character in its Hoisin sauce and salty character. The best wine I tried was the incredible 2021 Rivaura ‘Insomniac’ Red Wine (OB, 95) which is in perfect balance. This is incredible wine that is built to age. Learn more about this really exciting new Idaho wine project at rivaura.com and here are my reviews of the new Rivaura wines.
2021 Rivaura ‘River Ranch Red’ Red Wine— The outstanding 2021 ‘River Ranch Red’ is an excellent effort from this warm vintage. Black currants with sandalwood, allspice and black olives combine on the nose, with shades of red bell pepper. The palate is soft, inviting and well-structured. Enjoy now and over the next eight years. Drink 2024-2032- 92
2021 Rivaura Syrah- The 2021 Rivaura Syrah is a heady and delicious bottling that offers bacon fat, Hoisin sauce and salty as well as stony tones on the palate. Medium to full-bodied with a great core of black fruits, and a silky texture, enjoy now and over the next eight years. This is just a killer wine that screams terroir. Drink 2024-2032- 94
2021 Rivaura Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon is a smooth, medium-bodied rendition of this wine. Salty and stony tones mark the palate alongside sagebrush, tobacco leaf and black currant flavors. Enjoy now and over the next ten years. Drink 2024-2034- 93
2021 Rivaura ‘Reserve’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2021 ‘Reserve’ was sourced from the northernmost blocks of the Rivaura Estate Vineyard. This site utilizes three separate clones of Cabernet Sauvignon. The wine is impeccably balanced, with concentrate boysenberry and black cherry fruits, alongside roasted dates, cedar and baking spices. This is a joy to drink in its heady youth. Drink 2024-2038— 94
2021 Rivaura ‘Insomniac’ Red Wine- Coming from the southern portion of the Rivaura Vineyard, the ‘Insomniac’ is named after the proprietor of this estate who quite literally never sleeps. A blend of four Bordeaux varietals, this is dense, chewy and delicious on the palate, showcasing Billo Naravane, MW’s signature pillowy texture. Everything is in clockwork order here from the green herbal accents alongside pencil lead, windswept soils, sea salt dusted black fruits and espresso ground notes. Enjoy this highly delicious wine now and over the next fifteen years to come. Drink 2024-2040- 95