Starting last month, I am counting down to my 40th birthday May 23rd with a celebratory wine on the 23rd of each month. Last month’s wine was from Leonetti (notes to come). This month we move to Betz Family Wines.I picked the 2002 Pere De Famille in anticipation of the release of the 2006 vintage of this wine the first full weekend of March. The 2002 vintage of Betz’ Cabernet-based Bordeaux blend is a stunner and is an easy five to seven years away from maturity. Meanwhile, I am an easy ten to fifteen away from maturity.
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| Wines: | ||||
| Score | Name | Notes | $ | |
| ** | Betz Family Wines Pere de Famille Columbia Valley 2002 | A lively, complex nose that can be smelled over a foot away after pouring. Deep, dark fruit swirl around earth, cedar, black pepper, and anise - a virtual wine wheel. On the taste, a gigantic wine with gripping tannins and an absolutely gorgeous mouthfeel. An hour after decanting it refuses to be tamed. 77% Cabernet; 17% Merlot; 6% Malbec. Klipsunb, Ciel du Cheval, and Alder Ridge vineyards. 14.4% alcohol. 705 cases produced. | $45 | |
This wine ranks among a few of the top wines I've ever had. I might not be too old yet (emphasizing too, not old), but feel I have had quite a few wines. It is an absolute stunner.
ReplyDeleteSean -
ReplyDeleteGood luck as you approach your peak drinking window! I too tasted an older Betz this weekend ('99 Clos) and will have tasting notes up later this week.
Sordfern = A '99 CLOS?! Share the wealth! The last time I tasted the 2002 Clos I winezapped the wine that same night to find all I could find. I can't even imagine a '99....only wish I felt I was sure to live long enough to sit on my wines that long. ;p
ReplyDeleteI had the fortunate opportunity of attending two seperate tastings on all Betz wines in a 9 year vertical (with Bob in attendance). Syrahs at one tasting and the Merlot & Cabs at the other tasting. The 99 Clos I had was loaded with Brett and minerality. If you love the horsey-funk, this will be up your alley.
ReplyDeleteAgree with all of the above. I enjoyed an 01 Père de Famille this past summer and it was right up there with Leonetti and Quilceda, sooo good.
ReplyDeleteSean
www.tavolarosso.com
Tasting note on the '99 Clos de Betz is now up. Great wine, and drinking great too here in its 10th year.
ReplyDeleteLord knows I don't have the patience to sit on a bottle for 10 years. I prefer to let someone else cellar it and then buy it at auction.