The 2009 Merlot (64%) – Cabernet Franc (36%) offers up a pleasing perfume of dried herbs and spices, incense, creme de cassis, and blackberry. This leads to a medium-bodied, savory, structured wine with excellent balance and length. It will benefit from 2-3 years of additional cellaring and drink well through 2023. Caleb Foster, the vigneron responsible for Buty, is on top of his game as these wines demonstrate. www.butywinery.com