2006 La Cote Rousse Syrah
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Tasting notes
The 2006 Betz Family Syrah La Côte Rousse is packed with spice and toast notes that are supported by dark, meaty fruit, earth and licorice. The palate is medium to full bodied with solid structure and a savory, rich texture that carries the long finish. This is certainly delicious now and it should continue to drink well over the next 8 to 10 years.
Critic scores
Average Score
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
Jeb Dunnuck
More reviews and scores
Bright, deep ruby. Knockout nose combines black raspberry, blueberry, graphite, talc, licorice and spices. Then quite youthfully closed and backward, but with enticing sweetness and lovely fruit intensity to its dark berry flavors. As tight as this wine is, the finish already demonstrates terrific thrust and length.
The 2006 Syrah La Cote Rousse is 100% varietal sourced from two vineyards, Purple/black in color, it offers up am array of aromas including bacon, sausage, spice box, smoke, pepper, and tar reminiscent of a Guigal La Landonne. Dense, layered, and opulent, this powerful effort should hit its peak by 2015 and provide pleasure through 2030. Betz Family Winery, run impeccably by Bob Betz, MW, remains a Washington benchmark for top quality Syrah and Bordeaux blends. With his connections from decades of service at Chateau Ste-Michelle, Betz is able to purchase choice fruit from some of the state’s finest vineyards including Boushey, Red Willow, Ciel du Cheval, Alder Ridge, Kiona, and Klipsun. Regarding the 2006 vintage, Betz says, “I took a long time to warm up to the vintage, but the wines have come on strong.” Tel. (425) 861-9823; www.betzfamilywinery.com