2019 Betz "Heart of the Hill" Red Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon

“Submitted as a finished bottle, not yet released, the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Heart of the Hill displays impeccable balance with fresh, ripe, red fruit tones and dusty florals that strut out of the glass. Medium to full-bodied, the Cabernet offers a firm frame of dusty tannins underneath gorgeous, fresh fruit flavors of black raspberry, dusty plum and redcurrant before swaying with delicate oak spices and succulent acidity. The wine lingers with precision and finesse, begging me back for another sip. A limited number of bottles will be released in the spring of 2022 after resting for 19 months in all French oak, 82% new. I cannot wait to revisit this wine a decade from now. Bravo! (AM)” (10/2021)

“The 2019 Heart of the Hill is a beauty, where the cool vintage allows winemaker Louis Skinner to lean into the elegance of the house style in playing with this intense Red Mountain site, Heart of the Hill. A melange of herbs and spices mingle with blood orange and white pepper aromatics. On the palate, citrus peeks out amidst dried herbs, with bright cranberries, raspberries and red strawberry flesh. (CP)” (11/2024)

“Coming from the Heart of the Hill vineyard, this 100% Cabernet Sauvignon shows a dark inky purple in the glass with a lovely neon rim. The nose is a bouquet of wild boysenberry, blue plum, toasted cinnamon stick, fresh violet petals, and cedary herbs while the palate gives additional flavors of dark chocolate macerated strawberry. Tannins are in check and wonderfully integrated. Acidity is on the high side, delivering an outstanding length with a mineral and focused finish. Another spectacular wine from Louis Skinner that will age for decades to come. Highly recommended. (JY)” (06/2022)

“I loved the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Heart Of The Hill, another utterly classic, balanced beauty from Betz that readers will love. Offering classic Red Mountain red and black fruits as well as notes of iron, dusty earth, tobacco, and leather, it's full-bodied on the palate, has firm, focused tannins, terrific balance, and a great finish. It's pure class and will benefit from 3-4 years of bottle age and keep for two decades.” (07/2022)

“Inviting aromas of red cherry, red licorice and suede. Medium-to full-bodied with fine, silky tannins. Bright acidity and clear red fruit wash over the palate. Dynamic and fruitful. There is really good drive and energy here, accompanied by nuanced notes of dried herbs and whole spice. Excellent. Drink or hold.” (03/2022)

“Betz has now been sourcing from this site for many years, as they work with a host of vineyard blocks here. The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Heart of the Hill shows mocha, creosote, blackberry compote and crème de cassis notes on the nose. The mouthfeel and freshness of the wine are seriously good, as is the midpalate sense of weight. Espresso grounds and blueberry cordial artfully combine with exotic spices, black cherry and shades of scorched earth. This has plenty of accessibility now and will continue to provide drinking enjoyment for another 15-20 years. (OB)” (03/2022)