One of the great stops in Walla Walla, Buty was first founded in 2000. Buty has an exceedingly impressive lineup of wines that are unique to the Walla Walla Valley. Located in the airport district, just outside the town of Walla Walla, a visit to their Walla Walla airport area tasting room is a must stop for those new to Walla Walla wine country. A year ago I had the opportunity to interview Buty owner Nina Buty who is a fellow Whitman College grad that is not only highly knowledgable in wine but is a downright awesome person to chat wine with. Nina relies on the winemaking talents of Chris Dowsett who first started making wine in 1983. Chris previously worked for eminent Napa producers, Robert Mondavi Winery, and Domaine Chandon prior to coming to Walla Walla. He produces some very exciting, mineral driven wines that beautifully reflect the terroir.
One of his great wines in the lineup is their downright awesome red blend from the rocks area, the 2014 Buty ‘Redviva of the Stones’ Red Wine (WWB, 93) which shows downright awesome range and gorgeous Walla Walla rocks terroir The white wines from Buty were gorgeous, both coming from the exciting 2016 vintage. Check out their 2016 Buty White Wine (WWB, 92) which is a Bordeaux style white that is up there with the best in the state. This gorgeous wine will pair well with a huge range of food, particularly Northwest seafood dishes. Learn more about these great wines at https://www.butywinery.com Here are the great new wines by Buty.
2014 Beast ‘Wildebeest’ Red Wine- This great value wine was sourced from the Rockgarden Estate as well as the Phinny Hill Vineyard and the Conner Lee Vineyard. This has lovely red fruits on the nose with sage. This has nice poise and medium weight flavors of cigar box and red cherry with roasted dates. Drink 2017-2024- 90
2016 Buty White Wine- A compelling blend of 62% Semillon, 25% Sauvignon Blanc and 13% Muscadelle this wine saw 72% concrete aging with the rest barrel fermenting. This has deep aromas of white peach, white rose, and grapefruit blossom. The richness and tension to this wine is gorgeous. Nectarine, green papaya, Granny Smith apple and lemon zest flavors impress. The balance and poise is exceptional here. Drink 2017-2025- 92
2016 Buty ‘Connor Lee Vineyard’ Chardonnay- This great wine was 92% whole cluster pressed and was sourced from the Connor Lee Vineyard located in Othello, Washington. This wine begins with aromas of lemongrass, Pazzaz apple, and a touch of nutmeg. The palate reveals rich flavors of starfruit, white peach, New York apple and lemon vanilla cream. The viscosity and tension is really nice. Drink 2017-2024- 91
2015 Buty ‘Connor Lee Vineyard’ Red Wine- This is a great Right Bank style blend of 63% Merlot and 37% Cabernet Franc. These vines from the Connor Lee Vineyard were first planted in the 1980s. This outstanding blend begins with aromas of red cherry, red bell pepper and sagebrush. The terroir is evident here, as the wine has a silly mouthfeel and reveals deep red cherry preserves, red raspberry liquor, red bell pepper and clove flavors that sit alongside some lovely minerality. Showing its feminine side, this killer red blend will cellar well for a decade or more. Drink 2017-2028- 93
2014 Buty ‘Columbia Redviva’ Red Wine- A blend of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon and 20% Syrah, this wine was aged for 19 months in 100% French oak prior to bottling. Milk chocolate covered cherry, cigar box, dried herbs and coconut aromatics entice. The palate is plush, as the wine reveals deep dark fruit flavors that connect with milk chocolate and coffee grounds. A decadent treat, this is another outstanding wine by Buty. Only 365 cases made of this great wine. Drink 2017-2027- 92
2014 Buty ‘Redviva of The Stones’ Red Wine- Sourced from the Buty Rockgarden Estate in the Walla Walla Rocks District. This wine is a blend of 77% Syrah, 13% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 10% Mourvedre. This has a lovely stony character on the nose with red cherry, red bell pepper and Hoisin sauce. The saline quality is amazing here. Blood orange, red cherry, red raspberry and teaberry connect with mouth-watering acidity. Hugely novel, this is an outstanding effort by Buty. Drink 2017-2027- 93