Beckmen Vineyards

Profile: Inspired by Côte Rôtie and Châteauneuf du Pape, the Beckman family founded their winery in northern Santa Barbara County's Santa Ynez Valley in 1994. Thanks to their vineyards' limestone soil and the region's ideal growing climate, the Beckmans have been able to produce consistently lauded Rhône-style wines since the winery's earliest vintages. Although the Beckmans continue to focus on Rhône varietals, the much-acclaimed winery currently produces Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet Sauvignon as well as Marsanne, Roussanne, Grenache, Grenache Blanc, Syrah and blends Le Bec and Le Bec Blanc.

Wine label of Beckmen Vineyards

2008 Le Bec Blanc
Varietal/Style: Rhône
Origin: Santa Ynez Valley, CA
Vintage: 2008
Winemaker: Steve Beckmen
Rating: 14/20
Retail Price: $18

Tasting Notes:
The 2008 Le Bec Blanc is a blend of 45 per cent Marsanne, 45 per cent Roussanne and 10 per cent Grenache Blanc. On the nose, the wine offers apricot, ripe pear and honeycomb with a hint of toasted oak. The fruit flavors continue on the palate along with a bit of tart apple, minerality and white pepper at the back of the palate and honey on the lingering finish. Serve it with a classic roast chicken, seafood stew or a vegetarian casserole. The wine would also make a beautiful accompaniment to a plate of fresh and aged goat cheeses.

Wine of the Week March 21, 2011:
2008 Le Bec Blanc

Other Beckmen wines we have tasted:
2006 Cuvée Le Bec
2006 Estate Syrah
2009 Cuvée Le Bec
2009 Estate Sauvignon Blanc
2009 Purisima Mountain Vineyard Grenache Rosé
2010 Estate Grenache
2011 Purisima Mountain Vineyard Grenache Rosé

Address:
2670 Ontiveros Rd.
Los Olivos, CA 93441
805-688-8664
www.beckmenvineyards.com
[email protected]

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(Updated: 03/08/13 BH)

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