Spokane wineries score high in Paul Gregutt’s Washington Wines and Wineries Second Edition (2010 UCPress). While Spokane’s 17 wineries represent just over 2% of the state’s total, the 5 wineries to receive 3 and 4 star recognition represent 4% of the total wineries in Mr. Gregutt’s book. Washington Wines and Wineries is THE authority on Washington wine history, viticulture and wineries. The book is the definitive reference on the subject of Washington wine. Paul Gregutt, a 38 year Washington resident, writes for Seattle Times, Spokesman Review, and is the Northwest editor for Wine Enthusiast magazine. My point, Paul knows good wine!
While Paul references just 205 wines with 5 star, 4 star, 3 star, and “rising star” references, chances are he hasn’t even had the opportunity to experience the new wines from Overbluff Cellars, Trezzi Farms, Liberty Lake Cellars, Nodland Cellars, Barili Cellars, and Vintage Hill. Of the 11 Spokane wineries Mr. Gregutt has experience with, nearly ½ of them receive honors. Better yet, eight Spokane wineries are listed among the “best wines” lists in the grapes section of the book. Spokane deserves your attention and if you haven’t scheduled a day trip or overnight stay, you’re missing some fantastic wine!
Congratulations to all mentioned! Washington Wines & Wineries (Second Edition) is due out September 15, 2010 and retails for $34.95. It is available on Amazon.com for pre-order at only $23.07
Four Star Recognition:
“You can trust these four star wineries to make outstanding wines in every vintage”
- Arbor Crest Winery
- Barrister Winery
- Coeur d’Alene Cellars (sourced from Washington fruit)
- Robert Karl Cellars
Three Star Recognition:
“You can expect their best wines to stand out from the pack. Not every wine in every vintage will be a star, but at least some will offer either unusual value…or reveal a particular specialty.”
- Latah Creek
Rising Stars:
- Lone Canary
Best Bottles of Varietally Labeled Chardonnay
- Arbor Crest
- Caterina
- Coeur d’Alene Cellars
Best Bottles of Varietally Labeled Off-Dry Riesling
- Arbor Crest
Best Bottles of Varietally Labeled Sauvignon Blanc
- Barrister
- Lone Canary
Best Bottles of Viognier
- Caterina
- Coeur d’Alene Cellars
Best Bottles of Cabernet Franc
- Barrister
Best Bottles of Cabernet Sauvignon
- Arbor Crest (Klipsun)
- Barrister
- Caterina
- Robert Karl
Best Bottles of Bordeaux “Left Bank” Blends
- Robert Karl “Inspiration”
Best Bottles of Merlot
- Barrister
- Robert Karl
Best Bottles of Syrah
- Barrister
- Coeur d’Alene Cellars
- Robert Karl
Best Bottles of Malbec
- Arbor Crest
Best Bottles of Petite Sirah
- Arbor Crest
Best Bottles of Sangiovese
- Arbor Crest
Also receiving mentions are Latah Creek for their Muscato d’Latah, Townshend Cellars (value oriented) and Caterina Winery (new owners rapidly reviving brand).
Filed under: News
[...] for their “best varietally bottled” wines. A more in-depth accounting of these can be found at Spokane Wine Magazine’s web site. Taking into account that Paul probably has little to no experience with newcomers Nodland Cellars, [...]
[...] Wines & Wineries, Second Edition. 1-5pm – See what Paul had to say about Spokane wineries here – Winemaker Kristina van Loben Sels will be signing some of the wines featured in the book as [...]