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% ABV. Savory nose of dark fruits, olive brine, coffee and minerals. Full bodied with strong acidity. Dark and brooding. Black cherry, plums, charred meats and olives on the palate. Nice length on the finish with pronounced tannins. Approachable now with time in the decanter but certainly a wine that will age will for years to come. Best over the next 4-7 years.
My rating: 91 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 was released earlier this Fall to members of the mailing list.