2008 Beckmen Purisima Red

Beckmen Vineyards was founded in 1994 by Tom and Judy Beckmen and their son Steve. The family had built a highly successful business in the production of keyboards and synthesizers, but for their encore venture they wanted to make wine. They purchased a winery near Los Olivos and a few years later purchased a large nearby ranch. Today they have 150 acres of vineyards and make their wine at the Los Olivos winery. Like many Central Coast producers, Beckmen specializes in Rhône-style grapes and blends. They grow Syrah, Grenache, Viognier, Grenache Blanc, Marsanne, Mourvedre and Counoise. They have also started growing smaller amounts of Bordeaux-style grapes. Beckmen makes a large portfolio of reds, whites and rosés. The wines are consistently well reviewed and have been served at the White House.

Santa Ynez Valley AVA is home to more wineries than any other area in Santa Barbara County. The appellation was established in 1983 and it includes a total of 76,800 acres, of which 1,500 acres are vineyards. Chardonnay is the dominant grape in this appellation, followed by Cabernet Sauvignon, Riesling, Pinot Noir, and Merlot. The appellation runs east and west with temperatures and microclimates changing significantly from warmer in the east to cool by the time the district gets close to the Pacific Ocean. In recent years Rhone-style wines have been successfully made here, and vineyards now are also planted to Syrah, Viognier, Roussanne, Grenache, Mourvedre and Marsanne.