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.
The fruit for La Côte Patriarche 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.
Purple in color. 14.5% ABV. Brooding nose of dark fruits, olive brine, charred meats and flowers. Full bodied with loads of acidity. Concentrated, powerful and savory. Black cherry, coffee, barbecued meats and and minerals on the palate. Tremendous length on the finish. Just a big, dark, muscular Syrah. Best over the next 3-5 years.
My rating: 93 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 2018 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.