At Rivaura Estate Vineyard & Winery, some wines carry more than just the character of the vineyard—they carry the legacy of the family behind it. Insomniac is one of those wines. This Cabernet Sauvignon–driven Bordeaux blend was crafted as a tribute to Papa Ron Hewett, the family patriarch and grandfather to winemakers Lane and Vince Hewett. Known for his restless work ethic and the long hours he dedicates to family, land, and community, the name Insomniac reflects the spirit of someone who is always thinking, always working, and always building something for the next generation.
The wine itself reflects that same dedication to craft. The 2022 Insomniac is led by Cabernet Sauvignon (43%), giving the blend its structure and backbone. Merlot (23%) adds richness and approachability, while Cabernet Franc (26%) contributes aromatic lift and savory complexity. Smaller portions of Malbec (4%) and Petit Verdot (4%) deepen the color, texture, and intensity of the final blend. Each component is grown on the Rivaura estate vineyard along the Clearwater River, where warm canyon days and cool evenings allow the fruit to ripen slowly while maintaining balance and freshness.
In the glass, Insomniac opens with layered aromas of blackberry, cassis, and dark cherry, alongside subtle notes of violet, cedar, cocoa, and graphite. The palate is rich yet structured, with firm but polished tannins supporting dark fruit and a long, lingering finish. Cabernet Sauvignon provides the foundation, while Merlot and Cabernet Franc weave softness and aromatic complexity through the mid-palate, creating a wine that continues to evolve as it opens.
True to its Bordeaux inspiration, Insomniac is a wine built on balance and blending—each variety playing its role to create something greater than the sum of its parts. At the same time, it reflects the unique terroir of the Lewis-Clark Valley AVA, where the canyon landscape and the moderating influence of the Clearwater River shape wines with both power and elegance.
More than anything, Insomniac is about legacy. It is a reminder of the values passed down through the Hewett family—hard work, persistence, and a commitment to building something meaningful that lasts beyond a single generation.
Every bottle is a quiet nod to Papa Ron Hewett and his enduring spirit that continues to guide the Rivaura vineyard and winery today!
