The latest collection begins with the purple-colored 2008 Besoleil, a multi-regional blend from four renowned terroirs. It is composed of 82% Grenache, 9% Mourvedre, and 9% Syrah aged for 12 months in one-fill French oak. Aromas of herbs, underbrush, lavender, black cherry, and blueberry lead to a medium to full-bodied, layered, savory wine with loads of spice, excellent volume, intense flavors, and a lengthy, pure finish. Give it 2-3 years to fully blossom and drink it through 2020. Bob Betz, MW, and his family continue to make some of Washington’s finest wine. Betz’s attention to detail is legendary; everything is done for a reason. He sources great fruit, oversees the farming, and his fine-tuned palate ensures the correct call on all the blends. Tel. (425) 861-9823; www.betzfamilywinery.com

Happily, each new vintage of Besoleil is a bit larger than the previous year, so more people can taste what a joy this wine is. In 2008 it’s 82% Grenache, 9% Syrah and 9% Mourvedre. As with all the Betz wines, it is intensely aromatic. The wine glass fairly explodes with scents of grape, plum, raspberry and cherry. In the mouth grace notes offer hints of leaf and fresh herb. Plush and irresistible. ——P.G.(4/1/2011)—— 93