Beverage of the Week (BOW)
C.L. Butaud Tempranillo Texas High Plains 2021
Product Story
Tempranillo from Texas? Once you take a sip — you will get it. C.L. Butaud has been producing 100% Texas Tempranillo for 10 years and it’s clear that they, and Texas are mastering the varietal. It’s a bold and sturdy wine with equal portions of finesse. It’s meaty but not at all over-extracted. It’s made with a long fermentation taking 17 days after a three-day cold soak. The pressed wine is sent to new French oak (60%) with the remainder put in stainless steel. Their Tempranillo develops for 17 months in barrel before bottling and then the bottles are kept for eight months before their release. It’s hands-on winemaking with a minimalist touch. The Texas High Plains AVA is located at a relatively high altitude plateau with minimal rain, perfect for grapes, lots of sun, sandy soils, and hot days followed by cool nights. New Mexico is to the west and Lubbock is in the AVA's eastern zone. It’s a great zone for Rhone varietals and obviously Tempranillo as well. We can’t wait to try more wines from C.L. Butaud.
Brand Story
C.L. Butaud was founded in Austin, Texas, in 2014 by husband and wife Randy and Brooke Hester. Their mission was to create great wines from Texas grapes. A Texas native, Randy got the wine bug after working in the fine wines division of a major distributor. While selling wines was great Randy knew that he wanted to get his hands dirty and make some wines of his own. Randy and Brooke relocated to Napa where Randy began as a 36-year-old intern at Cakebread Cellars and eventually working full-time Randy coupled his training with viticulture and enology courses at Napa Valley College on nights and weekends. He worked with a number of great winemakers learning from each of them while developing a philosophy and skill-set of his own. C.L. Butaud is an homage to Randy’s great grandfather, named Clet Louis Butaud, who was known as Frenchy. C.L. Butaud has been recognized as a top Texas wine by Texas Monthly among other honors. The Hester's journey has been a colorful one and we have a feeling that they are just getting started.
Tasting Note
Brilliant, deep ruby color. The aromatics are intense, offering scents of black plum, raspberry, and cigar box with supporting notes of rose petals, graphite, and dried herbs. The palate confirms the nose delivering a black fruit-driven core with flavors of black cherry, bramble, slate, and hints of tamarind. The finish is long and lingering with ripe tannins. Full-bodied and perfectly balanced with an opulent texture.
How to Serve
Serve at cellar temperature and be sure to decant this wine an hour before serving. It really needs nothing but a glass but it does pair wonderfully with grilled lamb loin chops, sausages, or well-seasoned flank steak.
Price: $ 54
BevX Review: http://bevx.com/wine-detail/?id=4371
