The Tb points given to this wine are the world’s most valid and most up-to-date evaluation of the quality of the wine. Tastingbook points are formed by the Tastingbook algorithm which takes into account the wine ratings of the world's best-known professional wine critics, wine ratings by thousands of tastingbook’s professionals and users, the generally recognised vintage quality and reputation of the vineyard and winery. Wine needs at least five professional ratings to get the Tb score. Tastingbook.com is the world's largest wine information service which is an unbiased, non-commercial and free for everyone.
News
97 points Antonio Galloni
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. (11/2013)
95 points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
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. (RP) (10/2013)
94 points Wine Spectator
Delivers mocha, espresso and vanilla bean up front, with vibrant currant, wild berry, cedar and cigar box flavors. Gains all the way, ending with a long, persistent finish. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Drink now through 2028. (8/2013)
93 points Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar
Saturated ruby-red color. Darker and more brooding on the nose than the estate bottling, hinting at cassis, bitter chocolate and earth. Then almost surprisingly thick and sweet in the mouth, with harmonious acidity giving shape to the flavors of black and blue fruits, espresso and black pepper. Finishes with slightly tough (Howell Mountain?) tannins and firm minerality. This has gained in texture and sweetness, without any loss of structure, since I tasted it from barrel a year ago. (6/2013)
Wine Description
The Story
Bettina Proprietory Red is a beautifully layered and complex blend of Bordeaux varietals sourced from three of David Abreu’s own exceptional estate vineyards – Madrona, Thorevilos, and Lucia Howell Mountain. A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and Petit Verdot, this powerhouse wine is made with the same attention to detail as the estate Cabernet Sauvignon and named after Bryant Family Vineyard President, Bettina Bryant.
Madrona Vineyard is one of three exceptional vineyards from which BETTINA is sourced. Situated on the western outskirts of St. Helena where the valley meets the hills, Madrona Ranch’s prime location is ideal for accumulating sloughed-off soil from the adjacent mountain. With a soil combination of Pleasanton and Aiken loams, the vineyard’s dark and intense fruit fleshes out the wine and delivers a structured weight to the wine’s mid-palate.
Thorevilos Vineyard is one of three exceptional vineyards from which BETTINA is sourced. Located on a west-facing slope in the eastern hills of St. Helena, the Thorevilos Vineyard’s white tufa rock and volcanic clays help create well-drained, mineral-rich soils. The resulting fruit from this vineyard displays strong varietal characteristics, which help to build the backbone of the BETTINA wine.
Lucia Howell Mountain is one of three exceptional vineyards from which BETTINA is sourced. Located at an elevation of 2,100 feet, the vineyard consists of Aiken volcanic soils strewn with rhyolite pebbles. A cool site with excellent sun exposure, the Lucia Howell Mountain soils display a compelling combination of richness and minerality, creating BETTINA’s powerful structure and lucid aromatics.