2013 Beckmen "Estate Purisima Mountain" Ballard Canyon Syrah
SKU #1221496
94 points
Vinous
The 2013 Syrah Purisima Mountain Vineyard boasts tremendous tension and explosive energy. Underlying veins of tannin and acidity, along with a drop of Viognier, give the 2013 much of its freshness. A rush of dark plums, black cherries, mocha, violets, cloves and licorice add nuance on the huge finish. This is a fabulous wine from Steve Beckmen. Steve Beckmen excels with deep, powerful wines. Beckmen's estate vineyards are in Los Olivos and on Purisima Mountain in Ballard Canyon. I was impressed with what I tasted this year. In particular, the 2013 Syrah and Syrah-based reds are impeccable as well as absolutely delicious.
93 points
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
A step up over the smoking good 2012 version of this cuvee, the 2013 Syrah Purisima Mountain is a classic example from this estate that gives up tons of blackberries, cassis, licorice, roasted meats and a kiss of sweet oak. Full-bodied, beautifully pure, fresh and focused, it's an impeccably put together Syrah that will have a decade or more of longevity. The entry-level Purisima Mountain Syrah, it comes from the top of Ballard Canyon, was completely destemmed and spent 16 months in 40% new French oak. While I’d have to go back and check the database, these latest 2013s might be the finest set of releases ever for Steve Beckmen. The wines show terrific fruit intensity and texture, with an approachableness and harmony that makes them hard to resist. The vast majority come from the sandy soils of the Purisima Mountain Vineyard located just outside of Los Olivos.
(8/2015)
93 points
Wine Enthusiast
Rich and layered on the nose, this wine shows peppercorn, bacon fat and blackberry jam aromas. It is full and soft on the palate, with deeply rich yet still a tad tart boysenberry and elderberry fruit as well as an asphalt-driven grip.
(1/2016)