Exploring a dynamic portfolio of wine is always rewarding, but when you add in unsurpassed hospitality offered by the winery owners, assistant winemaker and informed staff, you know you’ve arrived at Barrister Winery. This charming winery, tasting room and entertainment center is located in an old warehouse within the historic Davenport art district of Spokane. In fact, this winery is perfectly situated in a hundred year old brick and massive wooden beam structure, once a car dealership storage area. Greg Lipsker and Michael White are the owners and winemakers with an abundance of hospitality and creativity, giving Barrister winery its unique charm and vitality. Their “class act” is backed-up by a knowledgeable and friendly staff.
Barrister’s flagship wine has been their renown, multi-award winning Cabernet Franc. The current vintage of 2009 Cabernet Franc (Columbia Valley) was selected in the Top 10 list of 2011 “Hot Small Brands” by Wine Business Monthly. This refined, ruby red wine is fruit forward with silky blackcurrant-raspberry flavors, gentle tannins, followed with a long lasting finish. This is a dynamic blend of 88% Cabernet Franc and 12% Cabernet Sauvignon, aged in a harmonious mix of French, American and Hungarian oak barrels for eighteen months, enhancing this pleasing vino with toasty caramel and creamy undertones. Grapes were sourced from Chelle den Pleasant and Weinbau Vineyards, Bacchus, and Seven Hills in Columbia Valley. This wine would be a natural complement to fresh salmon or trout and grilled meats.
Barrister Winery offers a premium portfolio of red wines to include: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Rough Justice Red Blend and a new Sangiovese. The 2010 Sangiovese “is a seductive wine with powerful aromas of black cherry and red fruit with earthy spice notes and hints of cinnamon and vanilla.” A limited amount of 150 handcrafted cases are produced using 95% Sangiovese from the Kiona Vineyard on Red Mountain blended with 5% Cabernet Sauvignon from forty year old vines on the Bacchus Vineyard. The total case production of all white and red wines at Barrister is under 3,600 cases annually.
The biggest surprise has been with Barrister's award-winning 2011 Sauvignon Blanc, Klipsun Vineyard, which received a 92 point rating and Editor's Choice designation in the November 2012 issue of Wine Enthusiast magazine. In addition, this stunning white wine received a gold medal at the Northwest Wine Summit in 2012 and was listed in the top 100 Wines of Oregon and Washington by Wine Adviser. The 2011 Sauvignon from Barrister presents a enticing range of citrus flavors, lemon, orange, with a hint of melon and tropical fruit. This refreshing vino would be nice with seafood or Asian cuisine.
Barrister Winery began in 1997 as a simple garage winery operation and has evolved into one of the top wineries in Spokane, Washington. Do yourself a “palate-pleasing favor” and stop by to explore their dynamic portfolio of wines. Check out their Facebook and web page for special events, weddings, art exhibits, catering and more. They are conveniently located at 1213 West Railroad Avenue, in old downtown Spokane, WA 99201; (509) 465-3591; office@barristerwinery.com, www.barristerwinery.com. Barrister does sell wines on-line: orders@barristerwinery.com.
From WineFoodGuide.com.
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