TN: 2006 Copain Syrah Harrison Clarke & 2006 Betz Clos de Betz

WINE TALK
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  • 2006 Copain Syrah Harrison Clarke - USA, California, Central Coast, Santa Ynez Valley (8/30/2009)
    Popped and poured. This is probable the most forward, lush Copain syrah I’ve had to date, and great wine to introduce a Copain to a someone who has yet to discover the profound quality from this producer. Tandoori and other Indian spices dominate the nose, which make a great pairing with the traditional syrah notes of raw, meaty blackberries and a distinct floral edge that adds intrigue and complexity. Again, we have a very forward delivery of boysenberries, soft and ready to go tannins, shades of oak spice, but again just a touch. A hard to detect but certainly present streak of acidity provides vibrancy and lift. This is ready now, and over the next three years me thinks. (91 pts.)

Posted from CellarTracker

2006 Betz Family Clos de Betz - USA, Washington, Columbia Valley (8/30/2009)
Decanted 2 hrs. After the Copain, this was a difficult follow up. I just couldn’t get past an excessive oak profile on the nose, that distracted even when the palate settled into a steady, if burly drink. I’m and always will be a huge fan of Betz wines, and this showed a lot better at the Spring release a few months ago, but clearly this needs some time to come together and synchronize. I’m not sure if I would have guessed this as a Bordeaux blend, but there was an enjoyable sense of dark, black cherry, iron and the powerful tannins from the Red Mountain. Hands off this sucker for quite a while; how long will it take my mag of the 06 PdF to be ready??? (88 pts.)

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Dale, thanks for the tip on 2006. I haven’t drank one in over a year and I failed to note that bottle when I opened it. Your comments are appreciated, epecially given the average peformance of the 2005, which we drank recently. Not very exciting. The 2007 is on a different level than the 2005 and will be very good.