2012 Bettina

Graphite, lavender, smoke, plums and violets meld together in the 2012 Bettina, a Cabernet Sauvignon-based blend made from David Abreu fruit. The flavors are brighter, more focused and more vibrant than in the Cabernet Sauvignon, with gorgeous beams of supporting tannin that convey energy through the finish. Dark red stone fruits, pencil shavings, cloves, leather and smoke add the final layers of complexity.

Bryant's 2012 Bettina jump from the glass. Graphite, menthol, tar, melted road tar and cloves all jump from the glass. The Bettina is darker, richer and more intense than the Bryant Cabernet Sauvignon, and is also showing a bit better today. Huge tannins support the vibrant finish. The 2012 is shaping up to be another fabulous Bettina. The blend is 79% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot, 9% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot.

The seductive 2012 Proprietary Red Bettina offers up a more Margaux-like femininity compared to the overwhelming power and richness of the Bryant Family Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon. This wine is a blend sourced from three of David Abreu’s vineyards – Madrona, Thorevilos and Lucia. Notes of Christmas fruitcake, underbrush, blackcurrants, black cherries, licorice and spice box emerge from this complex 2012. At this stage, it is more evolved and aromatically satisfying than the pure blue and black fruits of the Cabernet Sauvignon. Full-bodied and opulent with impeccable balance as well as purity, this wine is already hard to resist because of its surprising complexity and poise. Drink it over the next 15-20 years. Dec 2014, www.robertparker.com