From the Santa Ynez Valley, I think this is the oldest Beckmen I’ve drunk and it leads me to let the Beckmens in my cellar, especially the syrahs, rest quietly. Not full notes but brief impressions.
The wine has been fully integrated and is now seamless. No edges whatsoever. Nose is powered by black and red fruits, leather, with a pleasant earthiness, herbs du provence and a touch of lavendar (from the nearby Clairmont Farms - http://www.clairmontfarms.com" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; ?). Palate is powerful, deep and complex. Very rich and plush mouthfeel.
thanks for the data point, steve. my oldest bottle of this very wine is the 2003. i was wondering if i should open it up, but your TN (sorta) is very encouraging!
Every Beckmen single vineyard or single lot syrah I have had (and I have probably had every one since 2002 if not before), could have used more time. They are age-worthy and certainly develop great secondary characteristics, although they also drink pretty well young too. Way underrated winery IMNHO…
Interesting note Steve.
I only have experience with the Cabs and they are big and alcoholic early in life.
I need to get a data point on the Purisma myself. [gheyfight.gif]
My wife and I visited Beckman last May and just fell in love with the place. Great, under the radar wines across the entire portfolio, as previously mentioned. And like many great Rhone Rangers in that area, priced reasonably as well. We barrel tasted with the assistant winemaker, whose name escapes me now. He was super friendly and as passionate as they come.
The more I think back to this trip, the more I realize that that part of the Central Coast is really THE place to go, IMO, for under the radar, quality, well-priced, passionate producers.
Dammit Paul, you got me all hyped up. Now I gotta go open something from the trip.