The hedonist

I wrote various posts over the last months about Gróf Buttler winery so let’s skip the introduction (you can read all the previous entries about them here).

I had a chance, once again,  to enjoy 3 Bukolyi wines, fully (as long as time and quantity are concerned) and I had, once again, one of those flashes.

I tasted the Pinot Blanc 2003 from Szarkás dűlő in November 2008 and I found it a bit overly aged but still showing clear signs of complexity and elegance.This time I found it in a very similar shape and already on the decline but it’s still a beautiful wine, quite unique in Hungary wrapped in Buttler-style. It had a deep yellow-gold color, beautiful, with a heavy oily move and a vanilla-dominated nose with intense quince notes. On the palate a melted butter character with a salty mineral underpinning. Due to its age, this time it’s no more than 5+ points.

Now Syrah has remained an unfulfilled promised to me in Hungary until I discovered the 2005 from Buttler also in November.One of the things I most like about Gróf Buttler wines is that they’re just perfect right after opening. All of them, the Syrah, the Bikavér, the Pinot Noir, the Kadarka and Portugieser, every single one I’ve tasted so far. Unlike most good Hungarian wines, unfortunately.

The Buttler Syrah 2006 from Nagy-Eged 300-400, is very much like its predecessor from 2005: vibrant, deep purplish color, very rich pepper-y bouquet, big concentration as always at Buttler supported by a very nice acidic and strong, yet polished, elegant tannic backbone. Very spicy on the palate, this full-bodied wine is well-integrated and it’s in a very good shape right now. Score: 6+/7-

I was new to the The Gróf Buttler Egri Bikavér 2006 (Terroir Szelekció) but it left no doubt that Buttler are capable of doing not just excellent, lovable fruit-bomb wines but more complex, more “serious” wines too.

It has a deep, but vibrant color similar to the Syrah. The nose is ample, fruity and more complex with intense, clear cherry and fresh blackberry aromas, very succulent already at opening. These fruity elements mingle with cocoa powder.

On the palate it has a fruity character, this full bodied wine is well integrated with nice, although a bit harsh tannins keeping it in balance with the extracts. Fairly deep and complex. The wine has an asian spice undertone. The finish follows a nice hyperbolic curve, ending in a nicely textured fresh tannic character. Score: 7, 7+

Comment from Pardi Norbi - April 15, 2009 at 3:27 pm

Hi,

I tasted the PB 2003 last October and I found it very old. In my opinion, this PB was a great wine 2-3 years ago, but in October it was very lazy without enough acidity.

The syrah was tasted last Thursday and I totally agree with your description. It is a fantastic wine with perfect balance and complexity. Fortunately, Buttler wines are getting cheaper so hopefully I can afford to try them more often.