MetaPhusis – Steve Bettschen, Vaud (Switzerland) 2018

 In 2007, Steve Bettschen purchased a vineyard with no intention of making wine himself.  He initially hired a company to manage the vineyards, but when that plan fell through, he took matters into his own hands.  Today he works his vineyards almost entirely by hand on his own.  The 2018 MetaPhusis (with “phusis” derived from an ancient Greek word often translated as “nature”) opens with an enticing nose of lime, oyster shell, chalk, and white flowers.  On the palate, it begins with a straightforward, full-bodied attack, evolving into a blend of citrus freshness and a delicate patina from aging.  The fine, numerous bubbles extend the wine into a long, expressive finish.