The 2006 Syrah La Cote Rousse is 100% varietal sourced from two vineyards, Purple/black in color, it offers up am array of aromas including bacon, sausage, spice box, smoke, pepper, and tar reminiscent of a Guigal La Landonne. Dense, layered, and opulent, this powerful effort should hit its peak by 2015 and provide pleasure through 2030. Betz Family Winery, run impeccably by Bob Betz, MW, remains a Washington benchmark for top quality Syrah and Bordeaux blends. With his connections from decades of service at Chateau Ste-Michelle, Betz is able to purchase choice fruit from some of the state’s finest vineyards including Boushey, Red Willow, Ciel du Cheval, Alder Ridge, Kiona, and Klipsun. Regarding the 2006 vintage, Betz says, “I took a long time to warm up to the vintage, but the wines have come on strong.” Tel. (425) 861-9823; www.betzfamilywinery.com

A mix of four clones, it is deeper, more concentrated, and less accessible than the La Serenne bottling, with bass notes of rock, iron and clay. Dusty, tannic, herbal, earthy and slightly metallic, this is a unique expression of Washington Syrah, with black and purple fruits, Asian spices, coffee liqueur, licorice and coal tar, green tea and herbs.——P.G.(3/1/2009)—— 94