His beard has more salt than pepper now, but in the decade since we worked together at Stimson Lane, Bob Betz has lost none of his enthusiasm for wine. In recent years he earned the prestigious Master of Wine certification, then left Chateau Ste. Michelle to start his own 1,200-case operation, Betz Family Winery. "Seamless syrahs and cabernets," cooed Wine & Spirits magazine, naming Betz one of the best small wineries in America.
Tasted two releases at Pike & Western this afternoon. The 2001 Clos de Betz [about $30] is very like wine from Bordeaux's right bank [especially the villages of Saint Emillion and Pomerol], based on a high proportion of merlot; the wine is beautifully soft, silky and plummy. The 2001 Cabernet Sauvignon Père de Famille [about $45] has a flavor profile more like wine from the Médoc, with a nose of graphite and currants. A big hurrah for both bottles!
"I couldn't have dreamed of a better life," says Bob. Bravo!
French Chef Sally is my friend Sally McArthur, who hosts luxurious,
week-long cooking classes at the Chateau du Riveau in the Loire Valley.
Local Wine Events.com,
the worlds leading Food and Wine tasting calendar. Spirits and Beer events as well. Post your own event or sign up
to be notified when new events are po
sted to your own area.
VinoLover, Seattle wine promoter David LeClaire's bulletin board of tastings,
dinners and special events.
Wine Educator Dieter Schafer maintains a full schedule
of Seattle-area tastings and seminars
for amateur wine drinkers and professional alike.
Nat Decants, a free wine e-newsletter from Natalie MacLean, recently named the World's Best Drink Writer at the World Food Media Awards in Australia. Wine picks, articles and humor; no ads.
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