Beckmen Purisima Mountain Syrah Block 6 2008
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Wine &
Spirits -
Robert
Parker
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Wine & Spirits
Block Six reaches the highest elevation at Purisima, the sector of vines where Steve Beckmen began his experiments with biodynamics in 2002. Chalky limestone in the soil further distinguishes the syrah from this block, which Beckmen presents as his top selection. It's hard not to connect that limesone with minerality of the wine, whether or not such a direct connection really exists. All my notes from the blind tasting start from rock: The mineral scent, the deep earthen savor of the tannin, the refinement of the finish "on the rocks." Those sturctural elements from sweet black raspberry-scented fruit, along with scents of meat, game and an herbal hint of pipe tobacco. A great vintage of Block Six, both tight and juicy enough for roast duck.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2008 Syrah Block Six Purisima Mountain Vineyard is the most massive and opulent wine in this lineup, but much of the wine’s richness has been achieved with some loss of varietal character, which is a shame. This is still a gorgeous wine, but it could have been truly special. It is quite clear that the level of the fruit here is first-class. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2021.
This is a fabulous set of wines from Beckmen Vineyards. I was especially impressed with the reds. The estate works almost exclusively with biodynamically farmed fruit, uses indigenous yeasts and (with one exception) has a very refined approach to cooperage.
In 1996 Beckmen Estate Vineyards purchased Purisima Mountain Vineyard a 365-acre Estate overlooking the Santa Ynez Valley, where there are ideal soils and climate for Rhone varieties. They began planting in 1997 and have completed a total of 130 acres at this time. The high density plantings are designed to optimize different hillside exposures and elevations.
Marked by an unmistakable deep purple hue and savory aromatics, Syrah makes an intense, powerful and often age-worthy red. Native to the Northern Rhône, Syrah achieves its maximum potential in the steep village of Hermitage and plays an important component in the Red Rhône Blends of the south, adding color and structure to Grenache and Mourvèdre. Syrah is the most widely planted grape of Australia and is important in California and Washington. Sommelier Secret—Such a synergy these three create together, the Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre trio often takes on the shorthand term, “GSM.”
The largest and perhaps most varied of California’s wine-growing regions, the Central Coast produces a good majority of the state's wine. This vast California wine district stretches from San Francisco all the way to Santa Barbara along the coast, and reaches inland nearly all the way to the Central Valley.
Encompassing an extremely diverse array of climates, soil types and wine styles, it contains many smaller sub-AVAs, including San Francisco Bay, Monterey, the Santa Cruz Mountains, Paso Robles, Edna Valley, Santa Ynez Valley and Santa Maria Valley.
While the Central Coast California wine region could probably support almost any major grape varietiy, it is famous for a few Central Coast reds and whites. Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon and Zinfandel are among the major ones. The Central Coast is home to many of the state's small, artisanal wineries crafting unique, high-quality wines, as well as larger producers also making exceptional wines.