Recent Reviews and Awards

We have been fortunate enough to receive more than a couple very good reviews lately. First up, a couple of reviews from Wine Press Northwest’s weekly publication, Fresh Press May 15th, 2012 edition:

Outstanding! Best Buy. Indian Creek Winery 2011 White Pinot Noir, Snake River Valley, $9. Bill Stowe’s Pinot Noir plantings were devastated during the winter of 2006-07, but they’ve bounced back and his son-in-law, Mike McClure, crafted this beautifully. The aromas are reminiscent of strawberry/banana yogurt along with boysenberry, dusty cherry, pineapple and apricot. Flavors follow through with more strawberry, pineapple and black cherry. Midpalate acidity balances any sweetness, and there’s a slice of ripe watermelon in the finish. (50 cases, 11.5% alc.)

Excellent. Best Buy! Indian Creek Winery 2011 Sauvignon Blanc, Snake River Valley, $12. Mike McClure, son-in-law of winery founder Bill Stowe, builds a wine from Starlight Mountain Vineyard that’s perfect for those who enjoy drinking mouth-watering whites on the patio. The nose is filled with pleasing lemon/lime aromas, backed by tropical notes of lychee and grapefruit. That grapefruit sets you up for the flavors, which include delicious fresh lime juice and a bit of slate. It’s nicely balanced and a bright expression of the variety that includes some citrus pith bitterness ideal for summertime fare such as ceviche. (70 cases, 13.5% alc.)

I should note, though, that we actually made 500 cases of the 2011 White Pinot Noir, not 50. Enough for everyone to stock up on. Look for the release sometime this summer. The Sauvignon Blanc was my first attempt at the varietal although Bill made a small lot back in the late 80’s. It’s currently for sale in the tasting room and going quickly. I am very excited to make more…just gotta find more!

We also received the results for the 2012 Northwest Wine Summit, one of only two competitions that we enter. This year we only entered 6 wines and we were lucky enough to receive a medal on all 6! Here are the results:

2009 Star Garnet – Gold Medal – Jerry Mead Award: ” Named for the late wine writer and curmudgeon who longed for value wines, GOLD medal winning wines selling for $15 or less.” The Star Garnet was the only red wine in the competition to receive this award!

2011 White Pinot Noir – Silver Medal

2011 White Riesling – Silver Medal

2010 Chardonnay – Bronze Medal

2010 Viognier – Bronze Medal

2010 Pinot Noir – Bronze Medal

-Mike