Arriving in Walla Walla, WA around 1:30 PM last Friday (after a 4 hour drive from Portland), the last thing I expected was to be whisked away in a flurry of excited activity to one of the most memorable wine tasting of my life, yet that is exactly what happened. Barely having dropped off our bags in our room at Basel Cellars, Queen of Hearts confronts me and insists, “YOU HAVE GOT TO COME WITH US!” Well, who am I to argue? So, among admonishments of “hurry up”, and “lets go!” off I went. It wasn’t until we where 20 minutes into our drive that it finally dawned on me just what this event was – the very special vertical tasting of Woodward Canyon Cabernet, 1992-1998, a gracious offering by Harley to a very limited number of guests. By chance of timing and a cancellation it was my providence to have this wonderful and memorable opportunity.

As we continued to drive out of civilization and into the lush wilderness of Northeast Oregon I began to wonder just where our hosts were taking us, and as we arrived I became suspicious that the area could easily sustain another well-known cash crop, which could explain the financing of the large number of area wineries . Alas that “other” cash crop was never sighted, but behold the breathtaking slice of paradise to which we had been delivered! Among the lush trees, brush, ferns, and moss, well off the unpaved road, was the Harley home - a lovely, welcoming, and warm cabin home set along side a wide rushing mountain stream. Laid out for us at the streams edge on two picnic tables were sets of six Riedel Bordeaux stems at every seat, while chardonnay cooled in the rushing water below and the smell of orange blossoms wafted through the air. Now THIS is special way to taste wine!

We began casually with…

1994 Woodward Canyon Celilo Vineyard Chardonnay

And then on to the main event – Woodward Canyon "Dedication Series"/"Old Vines" Cabernet Sauvignon, 1992 – 1998.

1992 Woodward Canyon “Dedication Series” Cabernet Sauvignon

1993 Woodward Canyon “Dedication Series” Cabernet Sauvignon

1993 Woodward Canyon “Special Selection” Cabernet Sauvignon

1994 Woodward Canyon “Dedication Series” Cabernet Sauvignon

1995 Woodward Canyon “Old Vines” Cabernet Sauvignon

1996 Woodward Canyon “Old Vines” Cabernet Sauvignon

1997 Woodward Canyon “Old Vines” Cabernet Sauvignon

1998 Woodward Canyon “Old Vines” Cabernet Sauvignon

And finally we finished off the tasting with…

1985 Chateau St. Michelle Cold Creek Cabernet Sauvignon

Thus concluded a wonderful afternoon in the Pacific Northwest. The setting could not have been more perfect, and our hosts could not have been more gracious. The company and conversation was top notch, and I feel honored to have been in attendance. Many thanks to Caleb Foster (Harley) and Nina Buty Foster, the memory of that afternoon with echo in my mind for many years to come.

What, no Buty?????

Caleb worked at Woodward Canyon before starting Buty.

Eric, grand review of a memorable afternoon. Friday was quite the day out there, starting with the morning cellar tasting at Basel hosted by the amiable and talented winemaker Trey Busch; continuing onto Caleb and Nina’s magical, mystical home and vertical tasting; culminating with the fantastic lineup of standout wines at our homebase BBQ accompanied by a most spectacular sunset and trippy moonrise. I would be remiss if I didn’t mention Lafon & Miss Amy’s much appreciated breakfast (bang-up job on the bacon/eggs/sausage, etc.) Seaquam’s amazing burgers, the King’s savory bruschetta and those wild and wacky Walla Walla onions. Oh, and the late-late night Doritos. What a great day and night.

Caleb’s tenure at Woodward Canyon was from ’91 – ’99, thus the ’92 – ’98 vertical. It was like tasting through Caleb’s curriculum vitae. The ’94 was the standout, I was among the ’93 DS admirers (different picnic table, different nose ). I was also struck by how well the '85 CSM Cold Creek was holding up. And I absolutely loved the decanter Caleb pulled out.

After leaving WC, Caleb did a short stint at Chateau Ste. Michelle as enologist for the white wine facility. After that the couple ventured over to New Zealand where Caleb made wine for Rapaura. Back to America in 2000 they released the first vintage of BUTY with Caleb also consulting at Bookwalter. He also has consulted for Mill Creek (now Abeja) and was on the winemaking team at Quion Rock in South Africa. These two get around.

In addition to producing BUTY wines now, Caleb is also the winemaker at Glen Fiona (since 2002).

The Buty-Foster's were most generous and gracious to us that day. A very, very fond memory. And a huge warm and sincere Thank You.

(Dave - Buty's came the next night. )

And what Buty's were had, and how were they?

I had faith in you, Queen!