Alderdale dirt farmer Jarrod Boyle increased production of his entry-level red blend by more than 700 cases, and yet this ranks as perhaps among his best efforts with Quarry Butte — a tribute to what this parcel was destined to be prior to Boyle’s discovery. He stays quite close to the blending percentages as the 2012 vintage — Cabernet Sauvignon (56%), Merlot (22%), Cabernet Franc (10%), Malbec (6%), Syrah (4%) and Petit Verdot, and historically this wine has seen 20 months of 65% new French oak. It opens with a beautifully complex nose of Chukar Cherry, cocoa powder, chalkboard dust, pencil shavings and cherry pipe tobacco. The delicious and tarry entry brings dark plum and black currant flavors, framed by Rainier cherry acidity and fine-grained tannins. A number of restaurants over the years have wisely offered ANC’s Quarry Butte by the glass, and considering that the price has held steady for half a decade, there’s no reason for more to join the party.
Rating: Outstanding!
Production: 1,843 cases
Alcohol: 14.4%
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