Review: Buty 2016 Conner Lee Vineyard Merlot / Cabernet Franc Columbia Valley, WA ($45)

Buty's Conner Lee is more than dependable, but I really have to tip my hat to the 2016 edition. This 2016 vintage seems to have produced an incredible cornucopia of really fresh, lively wines all up and down the West Coast. We all know Washington State is rightfully proud of its Merlot, and that side of this wine very nicely, but the minority blend of 41% Cabernet Franc really shines through in the violet, blackberry, boysenberry, mint and tobacco notes that run through the aromas and flavors of this very approachable, serious red. This is a very hard wine to put down. (94 Points)