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 over five years ago. Louis Skinner, a longtime assistant of Bob’s, is now the full time Winemaker.
The 2011 La Côte Rousse is 100% Syrah sourced 65% Ciel du Cheval and 35% Ranch at the End of the Road Vineyards
Purple in color. 13.8% ABV. Savory nose of black fruits, road tar, olive brine and iodine. Medium to full bodied with loads of acidity. Lacks the structure and power I typically associate with Betz. Blackberry, cherry, pepper and minerals on the palate. Medium length on the finish. Somewhat disappointing given the high bar Betz usually exceeds. Best over the next 1-3 years.
My rating: 89 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 Cote Rousse was released this Fall and should still be available at retail.
Betz is one of my favorite Washington wineries – that’s a bummer this one wasn’t up to their normal standards. I’m guessing the challenging 2011 vintage might have something to do with it (?)
I think the vintage was problematic.