2010 Bryant Family Bettina Bryant Red
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Tasting notes
The 2010 Bettina exhibits abundant notes of graphite, charcoal, blackberries and espresso roast along with fabulous fruit concentration and an unctuously textured, full-bodied mouthfeel with great definition and richness. This superb Bordeaux blend is more broodingly backward than the 2009, but it demonstrates the potential for at least two decades of longevity. 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
Critic scores
Robert Parker
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The 2010 Bettina impresses for its tremendous energy, polish and vibrancy. Clean, saline notes support layers of expressive dark red fruit, crushed rocks, smoke, wild flowers and tobacco. A delineated, highly expressive wine, the 2010 emphasizes focus and clarity, but with all of the classic Bryant richness. I especially like the way the 2010 turns dark and explosive on the finish. In 2010, the Bettina is 78% Cabernet Sauvignon, 16% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot, all from David Abreu's Madrona Ranch, Thorevilos and Lucia vineyards.
The 2010 Bettina Bryant bursts from the glass with layers of intense, vibrant fruit and well-articulated aromatics. It boasts gorgeous finesse, driving minerality and fabulous overall balance. I won't be surprised if the 2010 ends up meriting a higher score. It is drop-dead gorgeous. The blend is 78% Cabernet Sauvignon, 16% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot, so it is quite different from the 2009, where the Cabernet Franc is much more prominent.