Getting Misty: Betz Pere de Famille
We've all been there: you pick up the glass, breathe in a deep whiff, follow it with a sip, and the conversation stops. Time seems to stop. We're not afraid to say there're tears in the corner of our eyes.
It's a rare wine that makes us misty. For a winery to deliver that misty experience twice in a year is nearly unheard of, but that's exactly what Betz has done. First with their Heart of Hill Cab, now with the flagship Pere de Famille Cab. To have so much everything and to be so refreshingly balanced with 13.6% alcohol, we're okay letting our emotions take over. We're convinced you'll be equally moved.
Betz Pere de Famille Cabernet Sauvignon 2016
$76.45 in any 12 bottle or Build a Case* order ($84.95 regular)
Between this and Betz's Heart of the Hill, you have the two best Washington Cabernets I've tasted in the last 12 months, or more. I got misty-eyed tasting it -- how could there be so much power and muscle with such elegance, beauty and restraint?! (again, we're talking 13.6% alcohol) To have this depth but to float, to be so velvety and so pure...I'm getting misty again. Black berries and black cherries, tobacco, bay leaf, sweet baking spices enveloped me before the cassis and graphite reverberated through the sensual finish. The tannins are managed and integrated perfectly -- perfectly. The freshness and energy makes it utterly tantalizing as a wine to open now and enjoy over a few days; the structure politely requests a cellar nap, from two to twenty years. - Marcus
97 points Jeb Dunnuck: "This inky colored effort is packed and stacked, with deep blackberry and currant fruits intermixed with lots of graphite, crushed rock, and minerals as well as smoky, violets aromas and flavors. This full-bodied beauty has gorgeous purity and elegance. It needs 2-4 years of bottle age and will keep for two decades." Also, 94-97 points Wine Advocate.
While the Pere de Famille's brilliance and Cabernet-ness can overshadow Clos de Betz's Merlot-itude, 2016 is the vintage to own of this ideal example of Washington Merlot.
Betz Clos de Betz 2016
$58.45 in any 12 bottle or Build a Case* order ($64.95 regular)
Cool and lovely, so delectably inviting with its black cherry and raspberry heart, carrying sweet plum, sage, cocoa, and a sliver of orange zest through the dense, savory, delightfully fresh and long finish. Jeb and I are in agreement: this Clos de Betz is fiiiiiine. - Marcus
95 points Jeb Dunnuck: "The 2016 Clos de Betz is 70% Merlot and 15% each of Petit Verdot and Cabernet Sauvignon. It shows how strong this vintage was for Washington and is the finest example of this cuvée to date, offering up medium to full-bodied notes of blue fruits, violets, blood orange, and spring flowers. It's seamless and layered on the palate, with terrific purity, and while it's already drinking great, it's going to keep for 15 years or more. Also, 94-96 points Wine Advocate.
The Griessel Family and winemaker Louis Skinner, with plenty of help from Bob Betz, continue to keep this estate near the top of the hierarchy in Washington, as well as all of the United States."