In 2009, Bryant Family Vineyard expanded their premium red offerings with the release of "Bettina," named after Don Bryant's wife. The Bordeaux-style blend integrates fruit from the estate vineyard with grapes from some of David Abreu's top sites, such as Madrona Ranch, Thorevilos, and his estate on Howell Mountain called Lucia, which Don says rivals that of his own. The wines are cabernet sauvignon-dominated, featuring an elegant, rounder texture and more refined tannins.
Bettina Bryant: Behind the President of Bryant Family Wines
Following a thriving career as an American Ballet Theatre dancer and prestigious art curator, Bettina Bryant transitioned into the world of fine wine. She and her future husband, Don Bryant, met at a dinner party during the Venice Biennale at the Cipriani Hotel; however, nearly a decade passed before the pair began dating. Then, in 2009, Bettina and Don married in a glamorous Napa wedding, beginning Bettina's work at Bryant Family Vineyard.
Five short years later, Bettina was named president of the estate as Don's health declined. She was dedicated to maintaining the incredible legacy her husband built while infusing a contemporary, high-art ethos into the brand. Furthermore, she expanded Bryant Estate's global footprint, gaining a prominent following in key markets like the U.K., Japan, and Mexico. In the decade since her promotion, the Bryant Estate has continued its operations as a top Napa cult wine, firmly imprinting itself as one of the region's key figures.
Bryant Bettina: Bordeaux-Style Napa Wine
Even with the winemaking team's meticulous care in the winery, it's the vineyard that truly shines the brightest at Bryant Family Vineyards. Don Bryant attributes a great deal of the winery's success to David Abreu, who has overseen the vineyard for well over two decades. He also gives kudos to the great Michel Rolland, whose knowledge and expertise have helped a carousel of winemakers maximize the vineyard's potential. When you put it all together, you get one of the greatest wines in Napa Valley.
Over two decades after the estate's birth, Don Bryant created Bettina Proprietary Red Wine in dedication to his wife. The blend mirrors great bottles from First Growth estates like Chateau Margaux, with Robert Parker comparing the Bryant Family Bettina's elegance and femininity to the distinguished French bottles. Crafted with cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc, petit verdot, and merlot, Bryant Bettina offers a more nuanced and finessed palate compared to the flagship wine. The inaugural release, 2009 Bryant Bettina, was released to immediate acclaim, gaining a 98-point score from Antonio Galloni. The bottle was celebrated for its blue and black fruit aromas, a fleshy palate, and intense minerality.
Grab a Bottle of Bryant Bettina Wine Today
Bryant Family Bettina wine is a more price-friendly option to the cult estate's flagship label, which often demands starting prices of $500+ per bottle. At half the price, Bryant Bettina is the perfect introduction for collectors looking for a taste of a Napa Valley icon without having to break the bank. Take a look through our extensive collection and discover your next cellar addition.
