Betz Family Winery’s Pere de Famille and Clos de Betz – their Cabernet and Merlot based blend respectively – are consistently among the best produced in the state. The newly released 2006 vintages easily live up to their predecessors. These are exceptional, immaculately crafted wines. As you would expect, both wines need bottle age to fully reveal themselves. However, your patience will be rewarded.

Don’t get your heart set on the Petit Rousse rose. Only 60 cases were produced and the winery sold out of them within hours of release.

Wines:

Score

Name

Notes

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Betz Family Winery Petit Rousse 2008

Quite red for a rose with abundant bright red fruit including raspberries and strawberries. A surprising amount of depth on the taste. A fun wine for the price. 89% Grenache, 7% Syrah, 4% Mourvedre.

$18

*

Betz Family Winery Clos de Betz 2006

Reasonably quiet on the nose on first pour with roasted meats, roasted red pepper, and light herbs. Lighter and more refined on the palate than one would expect for such a dark wine. Elegant with silky smooth tannins. A bit tart right now with some uneven spots. Needs bottle time to come together. Give 2 years. 47% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Cabernet Franc, 10% Malbec. 41% Horse Heaven Hills, 31% Yakima Valley, 28% Red Mountain. Sampled at 61 degrees.

$50

**

Betz Family Winery Pere de Famille 2006

Dark and inky in color. An endlessly fascinating nose that jumps at you on pour with herbs, roasted meats, dark fruit, and Panda Bear licorice. Rich and plush with grippy tannins and texture. A perfect mix of power and elegance. Give at least 2 years. 84% Cabernet, 8% Merlot, 6% Petit Verdot, 2% Malbec. 79% Red Mountain, 10.5% Horse Heaven Hills, 10.5% Yakima Valley. Sampled at 60 degrees.

$60