93 Pts Stephen Tanzer - Vinous Media

"(100% Phelps clone, from Boushey Vineyard; the crop load was low in 2009 due to a poor set): Bright ruby-red. Pungent, musky aromas of blueberry, cocoa powder and flowers. Juicy and light on its feet, with lovely definition and grip to its berry and floral flavors. An intriguing wild streak runs through this wine from start to very long, firmly tannic finish. Not at all a thick style of syrah, but has the backbone to develop more nuance with bottle age."

93 Pts Wine Enthusiast

Cellar Selection
"The best of the new Syrah releases from Betz, this massive wine, sourced from the outstanding Boushey Vineyard, packs tart black fruit into a tight frame of licorice-soaked tannins. There are traces of clean earth, light mineral and smoked meat, while the tannins are kept in close check. There's terrific structure and poise in a wine of substantial power. -PG"

91 Pts David Schildknecht - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

"The Betz 2009 Syrah La Serenne gives a real shout-out from the glass, with intense scents of sassafras, creosote, licorice, smoky black tea, sour cherry, and Maine blueberry, all of which anticipate the flavors on a dense, almost thickly-rich palate underlain by abundant – and abundantly-evident – if fine-grained tannin. For all of the obvious ripeness of fruit and the emergence of textural richness, this 2009 emerges as less expressive, energetic, or sappy than the corresponding 2010. Here, too, I would suggest one wait a couple of years before revisiting and expect at least half a dozen years of satisfaction, but I’m skeptical that the results will keep pace in quality with that 2010."

90 Pts Wine Spectator

"Firm and focused, offering a juicy mouthful of herb-accented blackberry and mineral flavors. Finishes with snappy acidity. Best from 2013 through 2016. 700 cases made. -HS"