Bottle Notes, Syrah

2010 Betz Family Syrah La Côte Patriarche – Bottle Notes

Betz Family Winery was founded in 1997 by Bob & Cathy Betz. Critical acclaim from local and national wine publications has put Betz Family Winery at the forefront of Washington wines alongside Cayuse, Leonetti and Quilceda Creek. The winery was sold to Steve and Bridget Griessel five years ago. Louis Skinner, a longtime assistant of Bob’s, is now the full time Winemaker.

2010 was the fourth vintage of La Côte Patriarche. The fruit is from Red Willow Vineyard in Yakima Valley. The Syrah at Red Willow was planted in 1986 making it the oldest Syrah vineyard in the state.

Blood red in color. 14.4% ABV. Savory nose of black fruits, olives, game and smoke. Full bodied with ample acidity. Rich, supple and surprisingly approachable. Black cherries, olive brine and soy sauce on the palate. The finish is exceptionally long with caressing tannins. The most approachable bottle of Betz in recent memory. Really delicious. Best over the next 2-4 years.

My rating: 92 points.

I understand the mailing list is full, although I suspect the wait isn’t too long. Fortunately, the wines from Betz are readily available all over Seattle almost year-round. The 2016 La Côte Patriarche will be released to the mailing list towards the end of the Summer and should be available at retail. I’m a buyer.

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