Bonterra The Butler Biodynamic Single Vineyard Red 2014
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James
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This single-vineyard expression of the unique Butler Ranch is a Rhône-style blend. Deep purple, this monumental wine leads with intense, complex aromas of blackberry, cigar paper, and espresso. On the palate, muscular tannins frame a juicy mid-palate, enhancing elegant flavors of black fruit, anise, crushed rocks and suggestions of game and spice. The finish lingers with notions of kirsch and smoke, closing on an intriguing mineral note.
Professional Ratings
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Tasting Panel
It’s a long and winding road up Mendocino’s inland ridgeline to Bonterra’s Butler Ranch estate vineyard, a Biodynamic site that sits at an elevation of more than 2,000 feet. This cuvée (81% Syrah, 14% Petite Sirah, 4% Grenache, and 1% Viognier) leads off with aromas of black-peppered plums, tobacco, and roasted coffee; savory notes take shape on the palate, where saddle leather, grilled meat, fennel, and violets are punctuated by spice, dark chocolate, and minerality.
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Wine Enthusiast
Made by Winemaker Jeff Cichocki from biodynamic grapes grown in the Butler Ranch Vineyard, this opens with concentrated aromas of ripe blueberry and spice that move the full-bodied palate with equally focused fruit flavors. A velvety, lightly gripping texture and good fruit concentration help bring on a lingering finish.
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James Suckling
Fresh and funky nose of geraniums, raspberries, licorice and caraway seeds. Intriguing hints of tiger balm. It’s medium-bodied with crisp acidity and sleek, tight tannins. Juicy fruit and soil flavors. Refreshingly moreish. From biodynamically grown grapes. Drink now.
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Organically farmed and masterfully crafted, Bonterra Organic Vineyards epitomizes wines that are perfectly in tune with nature. A celebration of farm-fresh flavors, the portfolio features wines coaxed from the earth by careful farming practices carried out on a dynamic network of estate and partner farms throughout California. In addition to a widely available collection of organically farmed wines that includes Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Equinox Red and Rosé, Bonterra crafts a trio of sought-after single-vineyard offerings from estate Biodynamic® vineyards in Mendocino County, and The Elysian Collection Merlot, an elevated offering from organic grapes.
Long before organic produce filled the shelves of neighborhood groceries, the dedicated team at Bonterra was committed to organic and Biodynamic® farming because they passionately believe that farms teeming with biodiversity—encompassing vines, insects and wildlife, and healthy soils—yield organic grapes leading to better wines. Whether supporting the health of honeybees with hive housing in its organic vineyards, trading tractors for sheep to maintain vineyards during the winter months, or giving back to the future of agriculture through educational outreach and shared knowledge, Bonterra strives to leave behind a legacy of thoughtful winegrowing inspired by the potential of nature itself.
With bold fruit flavors and accents of sweet spice, Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre form the base of the classic Rhône Red Blend, while Carignan, Cinsault and Counoise often come in to play. Though they originated from France’s southern Rhône Valley, with some creative interpretation, Rhône blends have also become popular in other countries. Somm Secret—Putting their own local spin on the Rhône Red Blend, those from Priorat often include Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. In California, it is not uncommon to see Petite Sirah make an appearance.
A large and diverse appellation within California’s North Coast AVA, Mendocino is home to several smaller sub-regions—most notably the Anderson Valley. This scenic region, with rolling hills covered in redwood forests as well as vineyards, is one of the world’s top producers of certified organically-grown grapes. Due to wide geographical and climatic variation, a vast array of wine styles can be found here.