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Betz Family Winery La Serenne Syrah:

(Carefully curated notes below are taken from the Producer’s website)

Varietal Composition: 100% Syrah

Location: Yakima Valley, Washington

Cellar Aging: Drink now or cellar for 15 years

A Few More Details: 

La Serenne is a remarkable Syrah crafted from vines thriving in the prestigious Boushey Vineyard. Nestled at the highest altitude, these grapes enjoy the latest harvest among all our wines, resulting in a unique and distinctive flavor profile. Born from cuttings originating from the renowned Red Willow Vineyard, this exceptional wine bears the legacy of collaborative efforts between Bob Betz, MW, and Dick Boushey, proprietor, with Louis Skinner as the artist behind this exceptional wine. Join us on a journey of contemporary elegance and unparalleled craftsmanship with each sip of La Serenne.

Tasting Notes 

La Serenne shines from the moment it’s poured with dark, glass-coating, black-purple color. The aromatics show the characteristic Boushey “wildness”: smoked meat, lavender, fennel, white pepper, and tarragon swirl along with inky blueberry, marionberry, and cacao nibs. The palate is rich and vibrant adding cracked espresso bean, clove, and dusty mineral tone. The polished tannic backbone indicates long cellar life, at least 15-20 years…if you can manage to resist it now.

Food Pairing

• Red Meat & Game — Classic and Perfect
• Grilled lamb chops with rosemary, garlic, and black olive tapenade — the herbal and saline tones in the wine echo perfectly.
• Seared ribeye steak with a peppercorn crust or red wine jus.
• Venison or elk tenderloin with wild mushrooms or blackberry reduction.
• Beef short ribs braised in Syrah or red wine — the slow cooking softens both meat and tannin beautifully.
• Poultry & Pork
• Duck breast with cherry or plum sauce — the fruit mirrors the Syrah’s core.
• Roast pork loin with fennel and herbs, or with a balsamic glaze.
• Smoked or grilled turkey thighs — smoky tones match the wine’s barrel spic
• Spice & Earth — 
• Moroccan lamb tagine with dried apricots and almonds.
• Korean bulgogi or galbi (sweet-salty grilled beef) — the char and soy caramel pair beautifully.
• Charred eggplant with tahini or harissa for a rich vegetarian pairing.
• Mushroom ragù over polenta or pasta — Syrah’s earthiness sings with fungi.
• BBQ & Smoke…If you’re going more rustic:
• Smoked brisket, charcoal-grilled sausages, or Texas-style BBQ ribs are fantastic.
• The wine’s black pepper and smoke pick up beautifully on char and caramelized fat.

From them to you:

Boushey Vineyard, which has been the source of La Serenne since 2000, is one of the stars of the mid-Yakima Valley. Farmed by Dick Boushey, a proponent of Washington Syrah since the 1980’s, this site has gained notoriety for its unique varietal expression and supple texture. The word Serenne is an affectionate name for Syrah in the local dialect of Ampuis, a town in the heart France’s northern Rhone Valley. Betz family winery finds this to be a fitting name for their Syrah from Boushey, as it reminds them of the wild (or as the French say “Sauvage”), Rhone-esque character of the wine.

The fruit reflects the sum total of conditions here: location in the mid-Yakima Valley, higher elevation, cooler climate, soils undisturbed by the Missoula Floods and Dick’s exemplary farming practices. Harvest is typically 2-3 weeks later than the Syrah vines planted elsewhere, indicating the uniqueness of its position.

Rocks of Bawn Cabernet Sauvignon:

(Carefully curated notes below are taken from the Producer’s website)

Varietal Composition: Cabernet Sauvignon

Location: Columbia Valley

Cellar Aging: Drink now or cellar for 5 years

A Few More Details: 

This rugged Cabernet Sauvignon is not for the faint of heart. Sourced mainly from the high elevation Frenchman Hills Vineyard in the Royal Slope AVA that lends bright fruit flavors and silky tannins – when blended with some Cabernet Sauvignon from Red Mountain and the Horse Heaven Hills a well-balanced and intense wine is created. If you’re digging all day long then this wine will soothe your aching bones! Don’t be afraid to open well before serving to soften those tannins!

Tasting Notes 

Bright fruit flavors– lifted blackcurrant/blackberry notes with some red fruit edge from the elevation. Subtle notes of dark cherry, cassis, and graphite and mineral elements.

Food Pairing

• Red Meat — The Classic Match
  • Grilled ribeye or New York strip steak — the fat and char balance the wine’s tannins and acidity.
  • Beef tenderloin with black pepper and rosemary — the herbal and spicy notes match the Cab’s savory core.
  • Lamb chops or roast leg of lamb — especially with a garlic, thyme, or mint crust.
  • Short ribs or beef stew — slow-cooked dishes help soften tannins while amplifying umami.
• Pork & Poultry
  • Pork tenderloin with blackberry or balsamic glaze — mirrors the wine’s fruit and acidity.
  • Duck breast with cherry, fig, or port sauce.
  • Roast chicken with herbes de Provence — a lighter pairing that emphasizes the wine’s freshness.
• BBQ & Smoky Fare
  • Smoked brisket or charcoal-grilled tri-tip.
  • Barbecued ribs with a dry rub or peppery sauce.
  • Grilled portobello mushrooms with olive oil and herbs — a great vegetarian option.
• Earthy & Savory Sides
  • Wild mushroom risotto or mushroom ragù.
  • Truffle mashed potatoes or roasted root vegetables.
  • Charred eggplant or lentil stew for a plant-forward match.

From them to you:

The O’Reilly family has had a passion and history of making wine in the west coast since 1989. Our home in the Pacific Northwest gives our craft expression of the finest vineyards in the Willamette, Rocks District of Milton Freewater, and exclusive locales throughout the region. Together we have crafted a legacy that has been recognized globally by critics, wine writers and consumers.

The story behind Rocks of Bawn is rooted in the historical struggle and resilience of the Irish people. Inspired by the popular Irish folk song, Rocks of Bawn pays homage to the determination of those who faced hardship on the rocky west coast of Ireland. Just as our forebears persevered in cultivating the challenging soil, we are dedicated to crafting exceptional wines that embody the spirit of tireless effort and unwavering passion.