The salvation to lagging wine sales of Syrah may be in Washington State owning the variety as it now does Riesling, says Bob Betz, who describes himself as an “unapologetic, unabashed ­supporter and lover of Syrah.” Betz, of Betz Family Winery in Woodinville, first tasted Syrah in France’s Côte Rotie region in 1973. Since then, he has come to believe it stands shoulder to shoulder with Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, and other northern Rhone varietals. “Syrah delivers a whole lot of pleasure, and pleasure is what American consumers ultimately want in their red wine,” he said. Most consumers purchasing wine […]