An outstanding Northwest winery based in Spokane, Barrister has impressed with their set of releases. Attorneys and winemakers, Greg Lipster, and Michael White, began making wine their garage. They both have a great talent for working with Bordeaux varietals. All of their red wines are aged in American. Hungarian and French oak, which is a different style than many other Washington wineries. I met up with Greg at Taste of Washington a few months back and really enjoyed talking wine with him. I’ve enjoyed his wines in the past 10 years and his new set of releases were really excellent. The winemaking style employed is fruit driven, yet highly structured, especially in cooler vintages. I have admired what the winery did particularly in the challenging 2010 and 2011 vintages, which were cool in Washington State.
I have found them to make one of the best Cabernet Franc wines in the state, as their 2013 Barrister Cabernet Franc (WWB, 92) showed wonderful herbal qualities alongside red fruits. Learn more about this great boutique winery at http://www.barristerwinery.com Here are the great new wines by Barrister.
2013 Barrister Cabernet Franc- Barrister has gained a wonderful reputation for great Cabernet Franc and this warm vinatge bottling is no exception. This begins with aromatics of red cherry, red bell pepper and sage. There are flavors of red cherry, bubblegum, red raspberry and red bell pepper. There is a lovely texture and mouthfeel. Drink 2017-2027- 92
NV Barrister 'Barrister's Block IV' Red Wine- Primarily Cabernet (72%) this great nonvintage wine opens with a bouquet of black tea, anise, black pepper and sage. There are flavors of black cherry, anise, creme de cassis and mocha. Drink 2017-2026- 92
2013 Barrister Petit Verdot- This has aromatics of red cherry, red bell pepper, anise and cassis. There are ripe flavors of black tea, black cherry, blackberry pie and suggestions of baking spices. The Petit Verdot has wonderful poise and elegance, as well as herbaceousness. Drink 2017-2026- 92
NV Barrister 'Rough Justice' Red Wine- This is an awesome blend that is made from 45% Merlot with 26% Syrah and 24% Cabernet this wine begins with aromatics of sagebrush, black cherry, black olive and black tea. There are flavors of blackberry cobbler, anise, creme de cassis and mocha. This is dense and lovely. Drink 2017-2024- 91