Buty and the Beast

I get so excited when I hear Washington! No, not because of their apples, not even because of their music scene in Seattle (although I was a fan of a few bands in the early ‘90’s). I get excited of their wine. Oh the wine! Even writing this I am getting goose bumps. Whatever you fancy, Riesling, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, or Syrah, Washington does it very well. I can discuss reasons why but that is another article - let’s just say it starts with Washington’s terroir. The State ranks second only to California in total wine production in the United States.

In my opinion I think Washington Cabs, particularly from the Walla Walla Valley are some of the best Cabs around. Their Cabs are not as opulent as California’s but are very graceful with flavors of ripe fruit, mineral and herbal accents. Because they are not as popular as California’s Cab you get a tremendous value. What happens when you blend Cab and Syrah from Walla Walla? Well simply put - something magical!

I am drinking Buty (pronounced Beauty) “Rediviva of the Stones” 2007 (Washington - Walla Walla Valley) 77% Syrah, 23% Cabernet Sauvignon. This wine has a deep and intense purple color which hypnotizes you. The aroma bursts with grapey almost sweet candied fruit and raisins. The mouth feel is unrealistically velvety playing with your taste buds. The flavors truly come out with blackberries and grape jam; this finishes with a lot of finesse. This wine is expansive and has a lot of depth! What stands out the most is the wine’s intense balance. My one complaint is it finishes a bit too quick but given its 2007 vintage I would imagine time in the bottle will only make this even more spectacular. Indeed, tonight is a pleasurable evening!

Sláinte!
TCW