Betz Clos de Betz 2018

Category:
 
Red Wines
Sub-Category:  
 
Red Wines
Producer:
 
Betz
Label Name:
 
Clos de Betz
Vintage:
 
2018
Country:
 
United States
Region:
 
Columbia Valley (sourcing: Red Mountain 35%, Horse Heaven Hills 35%, Yakima Valley 30%)
Volume:
 
750ml
ABV:
 
14.5%
Grape(s):
 
55% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Petit Verdot
Acidity:
 
3
Tannins:
 
4
Sweetness:
 
1
Body:
 
4
Length:
 
4
Aroma Intensity:
 
4
Best Temperature:
 
16-18°C

Awards/Ratings
James Suckling 95; Wine Spectator 94; Jeb Dunnuck 93; Robert Parker (Wine Advocate) 93; Wine Enthusiast 93

Tasting Note
Merlot-dominant, showing ripe black cherry, black plum and pomegranate with cedar, anise, mocha and floral potpourri. Silky texture, medium-full body, firm polished tannins and a long, spice-tinged finish.

Food Pairing
Western: roast lamb, braised beef short ribs, mushroom risotto, aged cheddar and charcuterie. Asian: Peking duck, Korean BBQ (bulgogi/galbi), Cantonese char siu, hoisin- or soy-glazed pork/beef.

Production Method
Small-lot, Right Bank Bordeaux-style fermentation with gentle extraction; matured ~18 months in French oak barrels (approximately 50–60% new) and blended before bottling.

Vineyard Info
Betz Family Winery, founded by Bob Betz MW in 1997 (Woodinville, WA). Produces limited-run Bordeaux- and Rhône-style wines from premier Columbia Valley sites; Bob Betz remains involved as winemaker/consultant.