Domaine de Pierres (Field of Stones), is the newest addition to Betz' family of single-site Syrahs. The Rocks of Milton Freewater AVA is named after the large river stones permeating the vineyards there, creating Syrah distinct from any other place in Washington State. Their affection for site-expressive Syrah led them here in 2014, when they purchased the Ancient Stones vineyard and immediately got to work tilling the soil multiple times each year to expose the latent rocks. The results are finally in, and they're delighted to share the inaugural vintage of Domaine des Pierres.With their long history of making single site syrah's in Washington, it made sense for them to venture into the Rocks District of Milton Freewater in the Walla Walla Valley to bring you Betz's newest syrah, "Domaine de Pierres."
In the glass, Domaine de Pierres stands out from Betz other syrah's because of its incredibly savory profile. Notes of roasted meat, fresh herbs, olive tapenade, tobacco and graphite are supported by dark fruit, espresso, and lavendar. The wine has a lower acidity and higher PH than the other wines, which contributes to a velvety, full bodied mouthfeel. Even in the cellar, we immediately noticed a difference in the color, aromatics and flavor that these syrah grapes were able to express.
The other big reason that Betz famili is so excited about the wine from this particular AVA, is that the history of the Rocks is happening right now! Their vineyard, "Ancient Stones," has only been planted there since 2007, and the beginning of the Rocks as a wine growing region only really started in the 1990's. There is a lot of energy and exploration going on, and it has been a fun experience for the team to be a part of it.
"This red offers a steely core of crushed rock and vibrant acidity framed by handsome blackberry, cherry, green olive and licorice flavors that build tension toward medium-grained tannins. The name of this wine—French for "Field of Stones"—is apt. Drink now through 2032. - Tim FISH."
- Wine Spectator's Insider (July 6th 2022), 94 pts
"Coming from the Ancient Stones Vineyard in the Rocks region of Walla Walla, the 2018 Syrah Domaine De Pierres is 100% Syrah that was not destemmed and was brought up in a mix of small and larger barrels. Classic Rocks notes of red and blue fruits, peppered game, exotic flowers, sweet mulch, and other herbal and cedary notes define the bouquet, and it's medium to full-bodied, with a soft, rounded texture, ripe tannins, and a great finish. While it has plenty of funkiness, it also has ample fruit as well as purity. It's approachable today yet will keep for 10-15 years."
- Jeb Dunnuck (May 2021), 97 pts
"Coming from the Ancient Stones vineyard in the Rocks District of Walla Walla Valley, comes the 2018 Syrah Domaine de Pierres is 100% Syrah and was made with 100% whole-cluster fermentation. The wine is deep ruby colored and opens to a nose that is immediately impressive, showcasing a high-toned red-berry fruit essence with a mineral tension. Seductive aromas of black raspberry, nuances of smoked meats, black pepper and cherry blossom tones emanate from the glass. Medium-bodied but jam-packed with complexity, flavors of black cherry and dusty pepper skin begin to tie the tongue with flavors of dried herbs, hung and curing sausages with a red fruit compote expression. The structure and balance are completely mind-blowing, and the wine ends with a long, winding, evolving and complex finish. Boom! This is absolutely stellar by the way that shines through with beauty and elegance and will age like a champ. Only 3,000 bottles were produced. - Anthony Mueller"
- Robert Parker's Wine Advocate (October 2020), 95 pts
"A chewy, savory red with aromas of cherries, boysenberries, herbs, charcoal, whole peppercorn and Indian spices. Sweet tobacco. It’s medium-to full-bodied with firm tannins and bright acidity. Flavorful, rich and deliciously spicy. Long, polished finish. Drink now or hold."
- James Suckling (July 2021), 95 pts
"Bright, dark red. Musky peppery lift to the highly complex aromas of raspberry, spices, soy sauce, rose petal, black olive and game; a meaty high-pH quality is in balance with the wine's other components. Densely packed, silky and utterly suave, with dark raspberry and subtle game flavors lifted by captivating black olive, licorice, pepper and herb notes. This wonderfully fine-grained, bright, smooth wine delivers terrific density and umami silkiness without any heaviness; in fact, it's downright light on its feet owing to its inner-mouth aromatic lift. Perhaps most impressive today on the very subtle, building, floral aftertaste, where a fine dusting of tannins coats the entire palate. A lovely expression of Syrah and a sentimental favorite in my Washington tastings this year. With its notes of red fruits, bacon fat and spices, this reminded me of Côte-Rôtie. (100% whole-cluster fermentation) - Stephen Tanzer"
-Antonio Galloni's Vinous (December 2020), 94 pts
- James Suckling (2018), 95 pts
Go To Betz Family Domaine de Pierres
Bob and Cathy Betz crushed their first vintage of Betz Family Wine in 1997 with the help of volunteer friends, producing 150 cases of wine in the warehouse district of ...
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