People don’t know that Idaho has the potential to make great wines. Such is the case with Rivaura, one of the jewels of Idaho wine. This is an otherworldly riverfront location just outside of Lewiston, Idaho, on the Clearwater River. 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. Prior to stating their winery the Hewetts talked to Kevin Pogue, PhD, RG, of VinTerra Consulting who confirmed that their site was perfect for grape growing.
The wines are now made by the Hewett family. The lineup was really consistently great. I love the new 2024 Rivaura Viognier (OB, 92) which has excellent flavor density and weight. Check out the beautiful 2023 Rivaura Merlot (OB, 92) which has good depth and varietal character. These are really well-priced wines and all are under 60 bucks. Learn more about this really exciting new Idaho wine project at rivaura.com and here are my reviews of the new Rivaura wines.
2024 Rivaura ‘Estate’ Viognier- The 2024 Rivaura Viognier offers honeysuckle aromatics alongside honeydew melon, cashew nut and shades of white peach. The palate is fat and generous with a silky texture and great sense of weight. Drink 2025-2031- 92
2023 Rivaura ‘GSM’ Red Wine- The 2023 ‘GSM’ combines Syrah, Grenache and Mourvèdre fro the Rivaura Estate Vineyard. This is neatly balanced stuff with rich red and dark fruits with tar and herbal accents. Drink 2025-2031- 91
2023 Rivaura ‘Estate’ Syrah- The 2023 ‘Estate’ Syrah shows smoked brisket and blackberry compote alongside menthol notes on the palate. Medium-bodied with a soft mouthfeel, enjoy now and over the next few years. Drink 2025-2031- 92
2023 Rivaura ‘Estate’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2023 ‘Estate’ Cabernet Sauvignon is soft and approachable on the mid-palate. Flavors of blackberry and black cherry compote combine with loamy soils and shades of black licorice on the palate. Drink 2025-2032- 92
2023 Rivaura ‘Estate’ Merlot- The 2023 ‘Estate’ Merlot offers a soft mouthfeel with molten chocolate, Bing cherry and black raspberry flavors alongside damp soils. Delicious now, enjoy over the next eight plus years. Drink 2025-2033- 92
2023 Rivaura ‘Reserve’ Cabernet Franc- The 2023 Rivaura ‘Reserve’ Cabernet Franc is neatly-textured stuff that has some good aging potential. Dense dark fruits collide with chocolate, mulling spice and pipe tobacco on the palate. Enjoy this beauty over the next decade. Drink 2025-2035- 93
2023 Rivaura ‘Reserve’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The really good 2023 Rivaura ‘Reserve’ Cabernet Sauvignon exudes class in this warmer vintage. On the nose this ‘Reserve’ takes on kirsch cordial and mocha notes alongside green herbal accents. The palate is rich and concentrated with a refined mouthfeel and good sense of weight and finesse. Drink 2025-2035- 93
2023 Rivaura ‘Insomniac’ Red Wine- The 2023 ‘Insomniac’ is a Bordeaux-inspired blend named after the Rivaura founder. It is well-structured with a refined mouthfeel. Crushed green herbs and exotic spices mingle well with heady dark fruits and a graphite edge on the palate. Drink 2025-2037- 93