The folks at Buty Winery showcase fruit from three prized vineyards — Phinny Hill in the Horse Heaven Hills, Conner Lee Vineyard in the Columbia Basin and their own Rockgarden Estate in The Rocks District of Milton-Freewater — for this remarkable and approachable blend of Left Bank Bordeaux with Côtes du Rhône. Indeed, it’s made up of Cabernet Sauvignon (28%), Merlot (16%), Malbec (12%) and Cabernet Franc (10%) with Syrah (24%), Mourvèdre (7%) and Grenache (3%). While the barrel program is 100% French oak, only 6% of the wood was new, allowing for a theme of Chukar Cherry and dried currant with herbal notes of lavender and sage. Juicy acidity akin to strawberry and boysenberry makes for a bright approach with well-managed tannins.
Rating: Excellent
Production: 1,000 cases
Alcohol: 14.2%
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