Wines York Mountain Betz Family Winery - Heart of the Hill - 2016

Viniou Reviews

Betz Family Winery's 2016 "Cuvée Heart of the Hill" is a captivating red wine hailing from the York Mountain AVA in California. Typically, the “Cuvée Heart of the Hill” blend is composed predominantly of Bordeaux varietals—most often Cabernet Sauvignon alongside Merlot and perhaps smaller proportions of Cabernet Franc or Petit Verdot. The 2016 vintage benefited from an extended growing season, allowing for optimal ripeness while maintaining freshness. Vinification at Betz Family Winery is meticulous, with careful sorting of fruit, temperature-controlled fermentation, and aging in French oak barrels, imparting refinement and structure to the final wine.

York Mountain AVA is one of California's lesser-known yet distinguished wine regions, located along the Pacific-influenced Central Coast. Its proximity to the ocean offers cooler temperatures compared to inland AVAs, with notable diurnal shifts that preserve acidity and prolong ripening. The soils are a unique mix of sandstone, gravel, and clay, contributing to wines with vibrancy and minerality. The region boasts a long viticultural history dating back to the late 19th century, though production is somewhat limited due to the challenging terrain and focused vineyard sites. This yields wines with distinctive character, finesse, and aging potential.

For food pairings, this complex red blend thrives alongside robust dishes. Classic matches include grilled ribeye steaks, roasted lamb with herbs, or braised short ribs. To highlight the Californian roots, consider pairing with Santa Maria-style barbecued tri-tip or a wild mushroom ragout. The wine’s structure and subtle tannins also work well with hard cheeses like aged Gouda or sharp cheddar. If you wish to explore a regional pairing, beef stew or even a California-inspired burger with caramelized onions makes for a delightful experience.

For ideal enjoyment, serve this wine at 16-18°C. Decanting for thirty to sixty minutes before serving will allow the bouquet to open fully and the flavors to integrate beautifully. This 2016 release is approachable now but can gracefully develop in the cellar for another five to eight years, enhancing its depth and complexity.