Rarefied Territory: Betz Pere and Clos 2014s
Dear Washington fans,
We had the distinct pleasure to taste the new 2014 Betz wines. Having tasted every vintage at release since 2002, we believe this to be the strongest and most attractive vintage we've tasted.
Pere de Famille is in rarefied territory; there are a literal handful of Washington Cabernets that so perfectly handle the structure of Cab with such class. Clos de Betz is the poster wine for Merlot's capabilities in Washington.
Betz Pere de Famille Cabernet Sauvignon 2014
Betz Clos de Betz 2014
We had the distinct pleasure to taste the new 2014 Betz wines. Having tasted every vintage at release since 2002, we believe this to be the strongest and most attractive vintage we've tasted.
Pere de Famille is in rarefied territory; there are a literal handful of Washington Cabernets that so perfectly handle the structure of Cab with such class. Clos de Betz is the poster wine for Merlot's capabilities in Washington.
Betz Pere de Famille Cabernet Sauvignon 2014
$71.95 in any 12 bottle or Build a Case* order ($79.95 regular)
This floored us. Opening with pure elegance, we were taken by the savory mouthwatering aromas combining black cherry, pebbles and hints of fresh ground coffee and then pow -- gorgeous and voluptuous, all the while maintaining a near-mythical freshness and perhaps the most refined tannins of any Washington Cab. The texture! Hailing largely from the 1973 plantings in Red Willow Vineyard, this is stunning wine that can be enjoyed in two years or in twenty. We highly recommend it; we're not alone:
95 points Stephen Tanzer: "Discreet, very pure aromas of cassis and black cherry complicated by mineral, spice and floral nuances. Highly concentrated and savory, conveying a 3-D texture as well as terrific definition to its flavors of black cherry, saline minerality and dried herbs. Wonderfully elegant, energetic, flavorful wine with real eclat. Really saturates the palate with flavor without leaving any impression of weight."
94-97 points Wine Advocate: "...the 2014 Cabernet Sauvigon Pere de Famille is another terrific wine from this estate. Deeper in color than the 2013 (which is common) and offering fabulous red and black fruits, dried herbs, graphite and a dusty pebble-like minerality, it has full-bodied richness, ultra pure tannin and while a big, concentrated effort, it always shows a pure, elegant style. It too will have two to three decades of longevity."
Betz Clos de Betz 2014
$53.95 in any 12 bottle or Build a Case* order ($59.95 regular)
A Bordeaux blend sporting 71% Merlot along with Cabernet and Petit Verdot, we were (again!) struck by the texture and tannin -- so suave and velvety.
94 points Stephen Tanzer: "Alluring floral lift to the aromas of blackberry, cassis, Bing cherry, sweet spices and anise. Sweet, plush wine with great sex appeal to its intense, pliant flavors of amarena cherry, flint and spicy oak. Finishes very long and smooth, with suave, perfectly supported tannins dusting the front teeth. A great, velvety Merlot-based wine from Washington."
92-94 points Wine Advocate: "The inky colored 2014 Clos de Betz is certainly one of the top Merlot dominated wines in Washington state. Giving up lots of blackberry, plum, bouquet garni and licorice, it's full-bodied and layered on the palate, with a sexy, hedonistic vibe that's common in this big, rich vintage. It has good density through the middle and will keep nicely, but it should also put a smile on your face early in its life as well."