The 2007 La Cote Rousse is 100% Syrah primarily from Kiona and Ciel du Cheval Vineyards. Purple/black in color with legs that ooze slowly down the glass, the nose reveals aromas of balsam wood, mineral, earth notes, blueberry and blackberry. Dense, layered, and youthful, the wine has enough structure to evolve for 6-8 years. This Hermitage-like Syrah will drink well from 2014 to 2027. Betz Family Winery remains one of Washington’s benchmarks for top quality wines from Rhone and Bordeaux grape varieties. Bob Betz’s 2007 collection shows him continuing at the top of his game (with plenty of help from his family). Tel. (425) 861-9823; www.betzfamilywienry.com

This is the Betz Family winery’s Red Mountain Syrah. Supple, firm, compact, with black olive, mineral, red licorice, currant and pomegranate fruits. It adds bass notes of rock, iron and clay rather than the more earthy, composty flavors of the La Serenne, with a finish that’s dusty, tannic, herbal, earthy and slightly metallic.——P.G.(12/31/2009)—— 94