Boutier Winery

Wine: Winery: Ambiance: Mar 16, 2010

Favorite Wine: Cynthiana (Norton)

Norton Wine Review: How can a winery that opened its facilities just over a year ago (11/08) get it soooooo right? As you walk up to the winery you are immediately greeted by a "bottle bush" (http://www.missmetaldesign.com/bottletrees) created by the Mississippi artist, Stephanie Dwyer. For me that was an indicator of something unusual to come. Boutier processes a slew of good California grape wines (Riesling, Pinot Grigio, Grenach Rose, Pinot Noir, Zinfandel, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and a nice blend called Hot Flash which dumps together Petite Syrah, Malbec, and Shiraz. Boutier knows what to do with California grapes (unlike other unsuccessful east coast wineries trying to do the same). But what they do with their own local grapes is even more fascinating. Unfortunately, because of PD vine problems, Boutier is ripping out lots of fifteen-year-old vines planted by the previous owners of the property and are limiting themselves now to experimenting with other varietals. What vines they did keep locally is outstanding; as, their Chardonnay, a Cabernet Sauvignon, a Merlot made from a nearby vineyard's grapes (did not taste), and a really good young Cynthiana (aka Norton). This two year old Norton wine from five year old vines shocks you in how good it can be from a Dutch vintner not formally trained, but "cooks" up his concoctions by instinct as a master chef would follow his own inclinations. Their first two-year-old Norton released in March, 2010 and produced in stainless steel tanks laced with oak chips will amaze you for this initial production. None of the harsh tannins associated with even the best of Nortons to be found elsewhere. This is going to be a winery to watch over the course of the next few years. Lucky me, living only 90 minutes away. I also compared their California grape Cabernet to their Georgia grape Cabernet. Of course Boutier's California grape Cabernet was dead on and delightful, but I've tasted other delightful California Cabs, so I just beat the devil out of Georgia with a locally grown Cabernet selection. Every Southern Cabernet I've tasted up to this point seemed just awful, but not Boutier's production. Really different, really interesting and I'm really going to return to this location with friends over the course of the years to come.