Spokane Offers Several Great Wineries

Like nearly every other area in Eastern Washington, Spokane has seen a significant increase in the number of wineries over the past few years. Three of my favorites during a recent visit included Lone Canary Winery, Robert Karl Cellars and Barrister Winery.

Every time I stop by Lone Canary it seems as if winemaker Mike Scott has taken his wines to another level. He’s featuring several new releases that are currently available and, quite honestly, there’s not a bad one in the bunch.

Particularly worth noting is his 2006 Sauvignon Blanc (about $10), an incredibly tasty, incredibly priced white wine. It’s both tropical and herbaceous, with bracing acidity and a touch of peach that grabs you on the finish. The 2004 Merlot (about $20) is also outstanding, with plush, red fruit flavors and a silky finish that will have you wanting another glass.

At Robert Karl Cellars, winemaker Joe Gunselman continues to produce some killer red wines that show considerable depth, intensity and aging potential. His 2005 Syrah (about $29) is massive and meaty, with understated dark fruit flavors and hints of coffee and bittersweet chocolate. Also worth noting is the winery’s signature red wine blend, the 2005 Claret, which is scheduled for release sometime around February of 2008.

The kings of cabernet franc, Greg Lipsker and Michael White of Barrister Winery, have yet another winner with their 2005 vintage (about $25). It displays generous dark berry aromas and flavors, supple tannins and a lengthy finish. Also available at the winery are the Rough Justice Table Wine (about $19), a blend of cabernet and three other varietals and the 2006 Sauvignon Blanc (about $19), a textbook sauvignon blanc that shows that Lipsker and White can deftly produce a quality white wine as well.

For more details on these and other wines, as well as information for ordering and local distribution, visit each winery’s web site at www.lonecanary.com, www.robertkarl.com, and www.barristerwinery.com.