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 many years ago. Louis Skinner, a longtime assistant of Bob’s, is now the full time Winemaker.
The 2013 La Côte Rousse is 100% Syrah sourced from Ciel du Cheval Vineyard.
Purple in color. 14.3% ABV. Savory nose of black fruits, charred meats, olive brine and flowers. Medium to full bodied with strong acidity. Dark and brooding. Black cherry, bacon fat, coffee and barbecued meats on the palate. Tremendous length on the finish. Big, chewy, burly Syrah that is true to the Betz style. 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 Cote Rousse will be released this Fall.