Betz Syrah La Cote Rousse 2010 (750ML)

92 WA / 93+ IWC

Originating half each in Ranch at the End of the Road (source of this bottlings first appearances in 1999 and 2000) and neighboring Ciel du Cheval (tapped since 2001) on Red Mountain, the Betz 2010 Syrah Le Cote Rousse features ripe but tart-edged dark cherry and plum accented by smoky, carnal, saline, mouthwateringly savory notes that (idiosyncratically, granted!) put me vividly in mind of pan scrapings from a roasting goose. This feels firmly tannic but that doesnt keep it from displaying generous primary juiciness in a sustained finish. As with a number of wines tasted on this occasion, Id be inclined to leave it in peace for a couple of years and then anticipate at least 6-8 years of bottle development.
-David Schildknecht

Bright red-ruby. Black raspberry, flowers, minerals and spices on the nose, plus a hint of black walnut that reminded me of Hermitage. Juicy on entry, then sinewy and penetrating in the middle, and clearly less pliant and sweet today than the La Serenne. The dark fruit and bitter chocolate flavors are supported by obvious Red Mountain structure. For all its power, the minerally, spicy, peppery finish displays very fine-grained tannins and lovely subtle persistence. Actually a bit higher in pH than the La Serenne but this is likely to need at least as much time in the cellar--say five or six years. Ò Stephan Tanzer