2011 Bettina

The 2011 Bettina is a bit closed in on itself. Dark red cherry, plum, licorice, smoke and tobacco emerge over time. Today the 2011 is a bit compact, which is not surprising considering the vintage. With time in the glass, the 2011 starts to find its typical explosive, dark personality, but today some slightly angular contours remain. The blend is 84% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc and 3% Petit Verdot. .

The 2011 Bettina is a strong effort in this challenging vintage. Notes of licorice, black olives, black and red currants, spicy wood and underbrush are all present in this medium-bodied, fleshy, open-knit, charming wine. Drink it over the next 10-12 years. Since its debut vintage in 1992, the Bryant Family Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon has always been 100% Cabernet Sauvignon made from a 13-acre vineyard atop Pritchard Hill, overlooking Lake Hennessey. It is a magnificent site that has served as a catalyst for other producers to plant vineyards in this gorgeous, distinctive micro-climate and terroir. The Bettina cuvee, named after Don Bryant’s wife, is a proprietary blend from viticulturist David Abreu’s three estate vineyards, Madrona Ranch, Thorevilos and his estate on Howell Mountain called Lucia. Often dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon, it usually includes a considerable amount of Cabernet Franc and smaller quantities of Merlot and Petit Verdot. A third cuvee called DB4 is the least expensive offering produced from the same vineyards as the Bettina. Although I have not tasted any recent vintages, it is made in a more forward, drinkable style. As for the 100% Cabernet Sauvignon flagship wine from Pritchard Hill, after a period where Bryant Family changed winemakers and there were numerous distractions (2001 and 2002), these wines have come back to represent some of the most singular and prodigious Cabernet Sauvignons of Napa Valley. Tel. (707) 963-0483