One of the long-standing Walla Walla wineries, Buty was founded back in 2000. A winery that produces a huge range of brilliant wines, if you have never visited this Airport District winery, it is a must visit for lovers of everything from Chardonnay to terroir-driven reds. I have known Nina Buty since my days at Whitman College as she has built her winery into a great success. Nina relies on the winemaking talents of Chris Dowsett who first started making wine in 1983. Chris had previous stints at eminent Napa producers, Robert Mondavi Winery, and Domaine Chandon prior to coming to Walla Walla. His new wines show great terroir and range as he has crafted one of the great overall lineups in the state.
A downright killer wine to look for is their 2015 Buty ‘Rediviva of the Stones’ Red Wine (WWB, 92) which is currently showing good stony terroir and nice range and terrroir. One of the great white wine values in Washington, the 2017 Buty White Wine (WWB, 91) is made from Sauvignon Blanc, Muscadelle and Semillon. It shows racy acidity and is one of the best Bordeaux style white wines in the state. I have tried these wines since 2002 and this lineup by Buty is not to be missed. Learn more about these outstanding Walla Walla wines at https://www.butywinery.com Here are the great new wines by Buty.
2017 Buty White Wine- The 2017 Buty White Wine is a compelling blend of Sauvignon Blanc, Muscadelle and Semillon. On the nose this shows nice baked apple and lemon rind aromatics that peak your intrigue. The palate shows good freshness and richness with tree and citrus fruit flavors, showing a lightly stony character. I could see this pairing marvelously with sushi. This is truly one of the best of its kind in the state. Drink 2018-2026- 91
2016 Buty ‘Rockgarden Estate’ Red Wine- The 2016 Buty ‘Rockgarden Estate’ Red Wine is a fantastic effort by the talented Chris Dowsett The nose is very pretty with floral and red fruit tones dominating and lighter wet stone character also shining brightly. I love the mouthfeel and salinity of the wine as the wine shows red cherry, cran-pomegranate and wet stone flavors with a good tension. It is hard to find a wine quite like this in Washington. Drink 2018-2026- 92
2015 Buty ‘Rediviva of The Stones’ Red Wine- The 2015 ‘Rediviva of The Stones is a Syrah dominant red blend with smaller portions of Cabernet Sauvignon and Mourvedre. Amazingly this wine has been made since 2001. The nose shows powerful terroir with dusty earth, cigar box and wet stone that connects with Hoisin sauce and blackberry pie aromas. The palate has wonderful verve and freshness considering the heat spikes that occurred in this AVA. Black fruits parade with earthy and citrus undertones to complete this highly complex red blend. Delicious now, this will cellar well over the next decade. Drink 2018-2026- 92
2015 Buty ‘Columbia Rediviva’ Red Wine- This Cabernet Sauvignon dominant red wine shows beautiful dark fruits on the nose with sagebrush undertones. The palate is plush as the wine delivers rich dark fruits with roasted figs and chocolate. Delicious now, this will age well for the next decade. Drink 2018-2028- 92
2016 Buty ‘Connor Lee Vineyard’ Merlot- The ‘Connor Lee Vineyard’ has gained a great reputation for Merlot over the past decade or so. The 2016 Buty ‘Connor Lee Vineyard’ Merlot is a seriously good effort by winemaker Chris Dowsett. Black tea, anise and dark chocolate covered cherry aromas fill the nose. The palate shows good richness and tension with downright delicious dark fruit flavors and sagebrush undertones. This has some good aging potential but is nearly impossible to resist right now. Drink 2018-2028- 93