Beckmen Vineyards 2022 Cuvee le Bec

The Wine

Vibrant aromas of cherry, raspberry and sweet baking spices (clove, cinnamon, allspice), with subtle tannins and surprisingly lively acidity more common in the wines of the Northern Rhone. The wine's flavors feature ripe red berries and savory spice through a long, expressive finish. Drink now through 2030.

Known for delivering exceptional quality at a price suitable for your everyday drinking, Cuvée le Bec is a Rhône-style blend of 46% Grenache, 40% Syrah, 7% Mourvèdre and 7% Counoise (coon WAHS). The wine is crafted for balance and versatility across a wide range of dishes and cuisines. 

This vintage sees a return of the wine to its original spirit, with Grenache taking the leading in this blend. This affordable wine offers surprising pedigree as it is a blend of the Beckmen estate vineyard as well as the famed Purisima Mountain Vineyard. 1,300 cases produced,

Pairings: Santa Maria Tri Tip (if this dish wasn't crafted specifically for the Rhone wines of Santa Barbara, I'd be surprised, but you may have to search the dark web for a recipe they rarely share!), pork tenderloin with smoked paprika, or grilled burgers topped with an alpine cheese and our onion jam!  

The Winery

One of the families that put Santa Barbara wine country on the map long before the "Sideways" phenomenon hit 21 years ago (!). They pioneered Santa Barbara's first Biodynamic vineyards, achieving certification for their flagship site, the 365 acre Purisima Mountain Vineyard, in 2009. Their plantings favor Rhone varieties and their wines have proven time and again that Santa Ynez is arguably California's best region for these varietals.

Founded in 1994 by Tom and Judy Beckmen who have since been joined by their son, Steve as winemaker.