The Rhone portion of the portfolio begins with Betz’s take on Chateauneuf du Pape. The 2006 Besoleil is composed of 75% Grenache, 13% Syrah, and 12% Mourvedre. Dark ruby/purple-colored, the wine exhibits a splendid bouquet of garrigue, black cherry, and spice box. It offers a silky texture, layered sweet fruit, great concentration, and a 60-second finish. The quality of Washington’s Grenache is still a secret but, with wines like this, that won’t be the case for long. Betz Family Winery, run impeccably by Bob Betz, MW, remains a Washington benchmark for top quality Syrah and Bordeaux blends. With his connections from decades of service at Chateau Ste-Michelle, Betz is able to purchase choice fruit from some of the state’s finest vineyards including Boushey, Red Willow, Ciel du Cheval, Alder Ridge, Kiona, and Klipsun. Regarding the 2006 vintage, Betz says, “I took a long time to warm up to the vintage, but the wines have come on strong.” Tel. (425) 861-9823; www.betzfamilywinery.com