Bryant Family Vineyard 2010 'Bettina' Proprietary Red

The 2010 Bryant Family Vineyard Bettina is a wine of exceptional quality and refinement. Its deep, garnet color immediately captivates the eye, hinting at the richness that awaits. On the nose, enticing aromas of blackberries, dark cherries, and plum compote mingle with notes of cedar, tobacco, and a touch of vanilla. The palate is a tapestry of flavors, with ripe black fruits, cassis, and hints of cocoa and espresso. The wine's velvety texture envelops the palate, while well-integrated tannins provide structure and depth. The finish is long and lingering, leaving an impression of dark fruit, subtle spice, and a touch of graphite. The 2010 Bryant Family Vineyard Bettina is a true expression of its terroir, showcasing the pedigree and precision for which the estate is known.

Robert Parker - 95 Points

"The 2010 Bettina exhibits abundant notes of graphite, charcoal, blackberries and espresso roast along with fabulous fruit concentration and an unctuously textured, full-bodied mouthfeel with great definition and richness. This superb Bordeaux blend is more broodingly backward than the 2009, but it demonstrates the potential for at least two decades of longevity. Since its debut vintage in 1992, the Bryant Family Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon has always been 100% Cabernet Sauvignon made from a 13-acre vineyard atop Pritchard Hill, overlooking Lake Hennessey. It is a magnificent site that has served as a catalyst for other producers to plant vineyards in this gorgeous, distinctive micro-climate and terroir. The Bettina cuvee, named after Don Bryant’s wife, is a proprietary blend from viticulturist David Abreu’s three estate vineyards, Madrona Ranch, Thorevilos and his estate on Howell Mountain called Lucia. Often dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon, it usually includes a considerable amount of Cabernet Franc and smaller quantities of Merlot and Petit Verdot. A third cuvee called DB4 is the least expensive offering produced from the same vineyards as the Bettina. Although I have not tasted any recent vintages, it is made in a more forward, drinkable style. As for the 100% Cabernet Sauvignon flagship wine from Pritchard Hill, after a period where Bryant Family changed winemakers and there were numerous distractions (2001 and 2002), these wines have come back to represent some of the most singular and prodigious Cabernet Sauvignons of Napa Valley."

Antonio Galloni - 97 Points

"The 2010 Bettina impresses for its tremendous energy, polish and vibrancy. Clean, saline notes support layers of expressive dark red fruit, crushed rocks, smoke, wild flowers and tobacco. A delineated, highly expressive wine, the 2010 emphasizes focus and clarity, but with all of the classic Bryant richness. I especially like the way the 2010 turns dark and explosive on the finish. In 2010, the Bettina is 78% Cabernet Sauvignon, 16% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot, all from David Abreu's Madrona Ranch, Thorevilos and Lucia vineyards."