Went to a winemaker dinner showing Betz Family Wines last night. Betz winery was opened in 2005 by Bob Betz who had spent the prior 20 years at Chateau Ste. Michelle. He was also this state's second MW with a taste for European wines and it shows in the line-up. Though he sold the winery to a South African couple a few years back, he still consults the wines reflect his dialed-back preferences. For instance, by design, none of their wines exceed 14% alcohol. I know of no other Washington winery that puts a limit on it like that.
2021 Betz Family Syrah La Serenne Yakima Valley
Boushey Vineyard fruit. Tart dark cherry, pepper, black oil-cured olives, baked ham and sage. Sees 75% new French Oak and 25% used. Seemed kind of reluctant--it had been opened, but not decanted, about three hours before service. Not enough time IMO to show at its best. $68
2021 Betz Family Syrah Domaine de Pierres Walla Walla Valley
Rocks fruit from Milton Freewater. The label attributes it to Walla Walla Valley but I presume that's because the other AVA had not yet been approved. Anyway, medium-plus body and savory in style it shows minerally red and black fruit, pepper, bacon and mild green olive tapenade typical of The Rocks, but not as funky as some. 100% whole cluster fermentation complexity; 75% new French Oak and 25% neutral. Preferred this over the La Serenne. $68.
2021 Betz Family Bésoleil Columbia Valley Red Rhone Blend
60% Grenache, 20% Mourvedre and the rest counoise and maybe cinsault. Barely medium unfiltered red in the glass, offers muted red fruits, mushrooms and sagebrush. Excellent paired with a red wine/mushroom risotto. That said, lousy QPR at $52 compared to the quality of imported CdPs.
2022 Betz Family Rose Cache Red Rhone Blend
A blend with 40% Mourvedre as the majority grape. Harmonious opening of strawberry and fennel with a mango-ish tang, crisp dry finish. Lacks (thank god) the RS typical of so many WA roses, could pass for French. $28. I ordered a few bottles.
2019 Quinta Essentia Chenin Blanc Stellenbosch
Imported by the new South African owners. Had this at the same wine bar as the last bottle I TN'd but this was a much fresher bottle--more fruit, less petrol. Quince fruit with some lemon rind, excellent body and elegance. $49. Wish we had better access to more chenins like this.