C.L. Butaud was founded in Austin, Texas, in 2014 by husband and wife Randy and Brooke Hester. Their mission was to create ultra-premium wines entirely from Texas vineyards, building on their experience working at some of the most acclaimed Napa Valley wineries. The Hesters’ winemaking journey began in 2006 in Napa Valley, where they set out on a 10-year path of training, education and research under noteworthy winemakers and mentors.
2022 C.L. Butaud Blanc de Noir – Straw colored. 12.9% ABV. 100% Texas Mourvèdre. Pretty nose of freshly cut grass, citrus and flowers. Medium body with racy acidity. Crisp and refreshing with an appealing creamy mouthfeel. Apricots, pears, apples and a hint of vanilla on the palate. Exceptional length on the finish. Compelling wine that will be tremendous this Spring and Summer. Best over the next several years. $48 at the winery and retail. My rating: 91 points.
2021 C.L. Butaud Cease & Desist – Dark red in color. 14.2% ABV. 73 Tempranillo, 20% Mourvèdre and 7% Grenache. Beautiful nose of red fruits, baking spices and flowers. Medium body with exquisite acidity. Light and elegant. Cherry, raspberry and roasted herbs on the palate. The finish is long and graceful. Delicious, distinct and well made. Best over the next 4-6 years. $48 at the winery and retail. My rating: 93 points.
2021 C.L. Butaud Tempranillo Farmhouse Vineyards – Ruby red in color. 14.5% ABV. 100% Texas Tempranillo from the Farmhouse Vineyards in the High Plains AVA. Intriguing nose of red fruits, wet asphalt and white pepper. Medium body with ample acidity. Packed with bright, charming fruits. Cherry, strawberry, tobacco and minerals on the palate. Tremendous length on the finish. Compelling Tempranillo that is warm, supple and approachable. Best over the next 4-6 years. $54 at the winery and retail. My rating: 92 points.
2021 C.L. Butaud Mourvèdre Desert Willow – Crimson in color. 14.5% ABV. 100% Texas Mourvèdre. Savory nose of red fruits, smoked meats and flowers. Medium body with nice acidity. Bright, upfront red fruits. Cherry, wild strawberry, herbs and olives on the palate. The finish is long and supple. Approachable now but this has the structure to age well. Best over the next 6-8 year. $48 at the winery and retail. My rating: 92 points.
This was my first time trying the wines of C.L. Butaud or anything from Texas for that matter. The reds have a compelling elegance and grace that run through them. If you live in Texas and feel the urge to support local wineries you really can’t go wrong here. Otherwise, consider signing up for the mailing list. I look forward to following C.L. Butaud in the years to come.