Bonterra The Butler Biodynamic Single Vineyard Red 2020
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The 2020 vintage offers extraordinary finesse, power, and intensity. Earthy notes of pepper, game and wild herbs underscore lovely blue fruit aromas on the nose. The muscular palate delivers spicy mixed berries and purple fruit, with charismatic slate-tinged tannins that support the wine throughout the clean, peppery blue fruit finish
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Big, broad aromas of black fruit, black pepper and wood smoke give way to well-saturated black cherries, tar and singed rosemary flavors in this dramatic and concentrated wine made from Biodynamic grapes. Tightly knit tannins add great structure to the mouth-feel, setting the wine up for a long life. Made from 63% Syrah, 18% Petite Sirah, plus Mourvedre, Grenache and Viognier. Best from 2026-2036.
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This single-vineyard cuvée is made with certified biodynamic grapes (63% Syrah, 18% Petite Sirah, 12% Mourvèdre, 6% Grenache, and 1% Viognier) from a mountain estate at an elevation exceeding 1,500 feet. Aged 14 months in (12% new) French oak, it's a liquid feast held up by sturdy, chewy tannins. Violets and boysenberry serve as focal points within the well- developed structure while the sumptuous texture glides across the palate, where bacon fat, tilled soil, juicy plum, and pomegranate integrate en route to a maple-oak finish.
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Wilfred Wong of Wine.com
COMMENTARY: The 2020 Bonterra Butler Red offers an excellent and lasting bite on the palate. TASTING NOTES: This wine delivers aromas and flavors of black fruit, dust, and a hint of energized red berries. Try it with grilled hanger steak in a semi-spicy sauce. (Best Served: 2022-2026)
Other Vintages
2019-
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James
Suckling
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James
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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.