Spokane Winery Wine Recommendations

Arbor Crest 2012 Sauvignon Blanc (about $12) – With gentle lemon grass and citrus flavors, this Sauv Blanc represents a great value at this price.

Arbor Crest 2010 Sangiovese (about $20) – A bit more fruit forward than expected, with dark fruits and a dusting of white pepper.

Townshend Cellar 2002 Reserve (about $35) – A sultry and seductive blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot. Sweet cigar aromatics, berry jam, and a plush finish.

Robert Karl Cellars 2009 Gunselman Bench Cabernet Sauvignon (about $35) – Nicely understated black cherry fruits, hints of smoke, and a bit of a chewy finish. Enjoy now or cellar for 5 to 7 years. Only 100 cases produced.

Overbluff Cellars 2009 LSD (about $20) – Gobs of plummy/blackberry fruit with enough grip on the finish to add structure to this guilty pleasure. Sourced from Latour, Spofford and Dineen Vineyards…hence the name.

Overbluff Cellars 2010 Barrel 21 (about $40) – An unfined/unfiltered Cabernet Sauvignon with huge black currant flavors inside a chalky, inky framework. Cellar for 5 to 10 years or aerate the heck out of this one and enjoy.

Cougar Crest 2010 Dedication (about $20) – A four-varietal red wine blend with red cherry and currant, a whisper of herbaceousness and a beautiful balance of fruit, acidity and tannins. One of the better Washington blends you’ll find at this price point.

Whitestone Vineyard & Winery 2009 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon (about $31) – Cedar and smoky aromas along with black plum and Belgian chocolate nuances. A big, but not overpowering wine, with soft edges and a lingering finish.

Barrister Winery 2009 Sagemoor Cabernet Sauvignon (about $39) – This cab hits all the right notes with vanilla and almond on the nose, ultra-black cherry flavors and a gentle finishing note of black licorice and espresso.