Last weekend, Friday and Saturday, we drove up to Spokane where we visited three wineries which have turned out some impressive releases. Here's a rundown of what we tasted. Full reviews will be in the December issue of the Review of Washington Wines.

Barrister 

This winery is owned by two lawyers, Greg Lipsker and Michael White, and the assistant winemaker is Tyler Walters. We tasted a collection of excellent 2019's and 2018's at the winery on Railroad Avenue in Downtown Spokane. The winery produces a consistent non vintage "Rough Justice" blend ($25) and the XVL version is engaging with considerable depth and character (18.5/20 points). The 2019 Wahluke Slope Carmenère (19/20 points), 2018 Dionysus Vineyard Petit Verdot (19/20 points) and 2018 Summit View Walla Walla Valley Tempranillo (19/20 points) were outstanding as well.

Robert Karl

Joe and Rebecca Gunselman's Robert Karl Cellars is located on Pacific Avenue. There, we tasted four new reds with Rebecca.  A 2019 Phinny Hill Cabernet Franc which represents good value ($30 - 18.5/20 points), an outstanding 2019 Cabernet dominated Inspiration Red (19/20 points), a 2018 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon (19/20 points) and the 2017 Gunselman Bench Horse Heaven Hills Cabernet (19/20 points).

Winescape

This winery is located in the bucolic Southeast Spokane Valley. It is owned and run by retired Washington State University Medical School Professors, Patricia and Phil Butterfield. There, we tasted three red: 2018 Columbia Valley Merlot (18.5/20 points), 2018 Red Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon (18.5/20 points) and the Cabernet (59%) and Merlot (29%) dominated red that showed lots of depth and flavor (19/20 points).