Boise Coop Wine Shop

Colter’s Creek

• January 17, 2012

Mike Pearson (Owner, Vineyard Manager) and his wife Melissa Sanborn (Owner, Winemaker) have always shared an interest in wine. On a cold, winter drive along the Clearwater River, they took a side path home and came across an overgrown yet picturesque vineyard for sale along the Potlatch River—the rest is history. They have since focused their zeal into establishing Colter’s Creek Winery and Vineyards.

Melissa studied wine chemistry and sensory science in grad school at Washington State University and now applies it to winemaking. Mike, a self-proclaimed engineering geek, enjoys designing both winery and vineyard systems. The grapes and wine now receive their full attention, which shows in both the beauty of the vineyard and the quality of the wine.

Not many know, but the Clearwater River Valley was once home to a prosperous grape and wine industry. In 1872, vies were planted near Lewiston, Idaho. Throughout the following 40 years up to 40 varieties of grapes covered the slopes of the Clearwater River canyon and its tributaries. The region is distinguished by its fertile soil, steep slopes, and long, hot growing season. The industry thrived until Prohibition. In the past 10 years, new vineyards have been established, with their fruit being turned into premium Idaho wine. There is little doubt that this region will once again stand out as one of the great wine regions of the world.

2010 Estate Riesling, $8.99
The little vines that produced this Riesling are some of the oldest in the state of Idaho. These vines are naturally cooled by the river, resulting in a crisp, flavorful wine. Slight hints of apricot and honey compliment its subtle sweetness.

2009 Syrah, $10.99
Sourced from the Dallas Vineyard on Candy Mountain near Richland, Washington, this 100% Syrah was aged in new American oak. It is a rich, full-bodied wine, with a nose of black pepper and vanilla, and flavors of black cherry and plum.

2009 Koos-Koos-Kia, $18.99
This wine is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc. Well balanced with aromas of plum, sage, current, and leather, this blend finishes with a slight minerality characteristic of our soils and clear water.

2009 Cabernet Franc, $28.00
Normally only available at their tasting room, 2009 provided perfect conditions at Colter’s Creek for this 100% Estate Cabernet Franc. They aged this delicate wine in French oak for 10 months. A nose of plum, raspberry, and a hint of clove are followed by cranberry and cherry flavors with a mineral finish. Pairs nicely with light pastas, seafood and white meats, or soft cheese such as brie.