Over the years I have been enamored by the great wines produced in the stony terroir of the Walla Walla Rocks AVA. Certainly it all started with Christophe Baron in the stones, as he planted these iconic sites that top winemakers have sought to emulate. A great story in its own right, Betz Family Wines years ago purchased a vineyard in this AVA that needed some tender loving care. The process of reviving this vineyard has been a challenge but has reaped some serious benefits.
The Betz ‘Domaine de Pierres’ Syrah is their lone wine from the Rocks AVA and it is a seriously good one. I have been captivated by this wine since it was first released. The wine has great stony character and marvelous flavor and aromatic range. It is silky, geared towards texture and length. I highly recommend you checking out this wine if you have never tried it.
I had the great opportunity a few weeks ago to sit down with Louis Skinner and taste through these glorious wines. I noticed that the 2016 ‘Domaine de Pierres’ Syrah (OB, 95) had already been beautifully evolved and was really peaking at the five year mark. This wine was showing more non-fruit character and was seamless and elegant with outstanding range. The 2017 ‘Domaine de Pierres’ Syrah (OB, 95) was quite different and showed a deeper core of dark fruits as did the 2018 ‘Domaine de Pierres’ Syrah (OB, 96). The 2018 edition was the finest wine of this trio for my palate. It was very young and fresh but was sinfully good to enjoy even at the three year mark. Learn more about these exceptional wines at betzfamilywinery.com Here are my reviews of the outstanding ‘Domaine de Pierres’ vertical tasting.
2016 Betz ‘Domaine de Pierres’ Syrah- Interestingly enough, this shows some tones of a freshly baked cookie on the nose with smoked brisket, wet stone and green olives that all impress. The palate is round and generous with a silky mouthfeel and beautiful sense of texture while maintaining great acidity. Black tea and black olive tapenade mingle with a core of dark fruits, iodine and stony undertones on the palate. This has a seamless feeling throughout the drinking experience. Enjoy this great wine over the next eight years. Drink 2021-2027- 95
2017 Betz ‘Domaine de Pierres’ Syrah- The 2017 ‘Domaine de Pierres’ Surah shows quite a different bouquet than the 2016. Smoked pork shoulder and green peppercorns with summer sausage and a terrific core of dark fruits all mark the nose. The palate has a great sense of flavor density with blackberry and huckleberry flavors alongside dried herbs, wet stone and shows firm tannins. This is delicious now but the wine has some outstanding potential with its degree of weight and finesse. Drink 2021-2031- 95
2018 Betz ‘Domaine de Pierres’ Syrah- The 2018 ‘Domaine de Pierres’ Syrah is showing beautifully at the three year mark. The aromatic range here is truly outstanding. The palate is more reminiscent of the 2016 bottling being more open and plush. Layers of charcuterie and allspice mingle with black olive tapenade, smoked meats and huckleberry tones with shades of iodine on the palate. The savory and salty tones produce a great sense of acidity. This is seriously refined stuff that is drinking even more beautifully than when I first tried it. Drink 2021-2029- 96