Mid-summer heat built Merlot power in 2009. The thicker grape skins caused by higher summer temperatures create one of Merlot’s splendid sensory traits, the smell of sweet chocolate. And it’s here in the 2009 vintage of Clos de Betz. Add subtle creamy vanilla oak from French oak barrels, rich baking spices, saddle leather and black pepper and you have the nuance of this vintage, all playing out on sweet black cherry and mulberry foundations.

There’s plumpness to the mid-palate, broad and expressive, while the finish lingers, lively and satisfying. Despite the addition of Petit Verdot and Cabernet Sauvignon, this wine is structurally Merlot, pliant, supple and with enough spine for moderate to long cellaring.

Blending Detail and Aging Profile

Blending Detail:

• 65% Merlot
• 29% Cabernet Sauvignon
• 6% Petit Verdot

AVA & Vineyard Detail:

• 51% Red Mountain
• 30% Yakima Valley
• 19% Horse Heaven Hills

Acclaim

Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate: “…96

points…. Opaque purple in color, it offers up a brooding bouquet of toasty oak, exotic spices, herbs, violets, black currant, and blackberry. Opulent on the palate, the wine has outstanding volume, a laser-like focus, layered fruit, and succulent flavors.

Steven Tanzer’s International Wine Cellar:  “92 points. …

hints at cassis, licorice and aromatic oak. Broad, sweet and tactile on entry, then plump and sweet in the middle, showing a distinct cocoa powder quality from its very ripe merlot component…”