2021 Betz Family Cabernet Sauvignon Pere de Famille
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Tasting notes
The 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Pere De Famille is based on 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 16% Merlot, and the rest Cabernet Franc that spent 20 months in roughly 50% new oak. This deep purple-hued effort boasts a killer nose of pure cassis, leafy herbs, graphite, and smoke tobacco that give way to a medium to full-bodied, pure, gorgeously layered, seamless Cabernet that has more than a passing resemblance to a great Saint-Julien. Its balance is spot on, and while it deserves 4-5 years of bottle age, it already offers pleasure even today. It will have 2-3 decades of overall longevity. I was sad to hear that Betz Family Winery was sold yet again, being purchased by Ackley Brands early in 2024. Betz was founded in 1997 by Master of Wine Bob Betz and was later purchased by Bridgit and Steve Griessel in 2011. Bob continued to play a large role in these wines, with Louis Skinner coming on board as assistant winemaker in 2013 and later becoming the head winemaker, while Bob moved into a consulting position. Louis is incredibly talented and gradually shifted the style of the wines to slightly less powerful (and less inky colored, which is a trait loved by Bob) but still balanced and always classically styled. I believe that both Bob and Louis will remain on board. The sale also includes their Untold Story and SUNU labels as well. Looking at the two vintages reviewed here, 2021 is clearly a stronger vintage, and the wines are concentrated and powerful yet also have a beautiful sense of balance and restraint. I’d put this vintage up with the top handful of the estate. The 2022s are impressive as well, yet slightly less concentrated and powerful, with pretty, perfumed characters.
Critic scores
Jeb Dunnuck
Eric Guido, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The 2021 Père de Famille is dark and pleasingly herbal in the glass, wafting up with notes of cocoa, blackcurrant and dusty rose complemented by nuances of incense and white pepper. Silky and polished in style, with juicy acidity, this races across the palate with ripe red and black fruits, while sweet tannins mount toward the close. It finishes long and structured, with a slight bitter tinge that curls the tongue. Hints of licorice and sour orange linger.
Made from 80% Cabernet Sauvignon with 16% Merlot and 4% Cabernet Franc, 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Père de Famille is fresh, complex and floral with gobs of purity on the nose and picturesque aromas of spiced plum compote, blackberry reduction, succulent florals and elegant oak tones. Medium to full-bodied, the wine delivers a seductive and pleasurable mouthfeel with complex layers that show impressive depth and precision, with elegance and grace. Set to be released in March of 2024, this barrel sample is already begging me back for more. Get in line to capture any of the 10,800 bottles produced.