2006 Betts & Scholl Riesling Eden Valley
($28) Green-straw color. Vibrant lemon and lime pith on the nose, with deeper orange and magnolia qualities. Juicy flavors of tangerine and Meyer lemon boast impressive depth and cut, with a youthful spritz adding more energy. Bright, pure and mineral-driven on the long, vibrant finish. Open a bottle of this with Szechuan dumplings or Thai lemongrass chicken and watch it evaporate.
2005 Betts & Scholl Riesling Eden Valley
($28) Pale green. Stony, mineral-accented lime and grapefruit scents are precise and intensely spicy. Fleshy orange and lemon flavors show very good depth and a round, silky texture, with a touch of succulent herbs on the back. The lush finish offers pleasing ripeness and breadth. Less energetic than the '06 but creamier and more accessible.
2005 Betts & Scholl Grenache The OG Barossa Valley
($26) Dark red. Expansive, seductive bouquet of red berry liqueur, candied licorice and Asian spices. A suave, silky midweight, with vibrant but sweet red berry flavors, gentle tannins and a bright jolt of minerals on the back. Fresh, juicy and drinking well now, this will be a real crowd-pleaser right out of the gate.
2005 Betts & Scholl Grenache The Chronique Barossa Valley
($35) Deep red. Primary red and dark berry aromas display impressive depth and an exotic spicy character. Raspberry and floral pastille flavors are striking for their purity and intensity, with dusty tannins providing shape. Spice notes return on the juicy, long finish. This is really seductive.
2005 Betts & Scholl Shiraz Black Betty Barossa Valley
($70) Dark ruby. Expressive dark berry and cherry preserve aromas show seductive sweetness and purity, with cured tobacco and baking spices adding complexity. Fleshy, sweet and deeply fruity, offering an array of dark berry flavors, with well-knit tannins lending gentle support. This has the balance to repay cellaring but is awfully delicious right now.
2004 Betts & Scholl Grenache Barossa Valley
($26) Dark red. Smoky red and dark berry aromas are brightened by cracked pepper and mace. Lush and already eminently drinkable, with lively raspberry and candied cherry flavors, silky tannins and a sweet mocha accent on the back. A distinctly elegant style, with the balance to age but the seductiveness to drink now. (USA Wine West, Sausalito, CA)
