Beckmen Vineyards Viognier Purisima Mountain Vineyard 2021
(Santa Ynez Valley, California) - [WE 90]

About the Winery:
Beckmen Vineyards is one of North America’s premier producers of Rhône varietal wines since their establishment in 1994. A family owned and operated vineyard and winery, they craft premier wines with a focus on Rhone varieties, sourcing fruit from the Beckmen Estate Vineyard, located in the Los Olivos District AVA, and their certified Biodynamic Purisima Mountain Vineyard, located in the limestone laden hills of the Ballard Canyon AVA. Theirs is the first biodynamically farmed vineyard in Santa Barbara County.

The Thomas and Judith Beck­men Estate Vine­yard is 40 acres (25 plant­ed) of rolling hills sit­u­at­ed on the west­ern bor­der of the Los Olivos Dis­trict. This top-tier sin­gle vine­yard has a slight­ly warmer cli­mate and a grave­ly, well-drained soil, which allows them to focus on Caber­net Sauvi­gnon, as well as small amounts of Grenache, Mourvè­dre, and Syrah. 

Notes from the Winemaker:

2021 was one of the coolest vintages we have had in the last decade. The mild year was a nice change from the warm vintages of the last 10 years, and it kept the fruit in pristine condition for our late harvest that lasted until the middle of November. The cool temperatures allowed us to harvest great quality fruit with beautiful acidity and bright lifted aromas and flavors. The high acidity and structure should allow these elegant wines to age gracefully for years to come.

2021 was a sensational vintage for white grapes on Purisima Mountain, and the Viognier shines brightly. Initially, the nose is packed with inviting aromas of lemon zest, jasmine, and freshly grated ginger. After aeration, fleshier, mouthwatering notes of peaches, candied citrus, Asian pear, and lavender emerge. The wine has great energy and refreshing acidity, but its weight and rich concentration balance the brightness beautifully. The pillowy texture of this nectar flows into a long mineral finish. This is a complete white wine with the structure to continue evolving over the next 5-7 years.

Technical Details

Ratings & Reviews

90 Points - Wine Enthusiast:
"Clean lines of peach custard and orange blossom are fresh on the nose of this bottling from a mountaintop site on the north end of this small appellation. A chalky minerality and brisk acidity fire up the palate, which offers nectarine and melon bubblegum flavors." - Matt Kettmann (May 2023)

92 Points - Vinous (2020 Vintage):
"The 2020 Viognier Purisima Mountain Vineyard is a super-elegant wine. Lemon peel, mint, apricot and tangerine oil are all finely cut. The 2020 is full of varietal character, but is done in a vibrant style that emphasizes freshness." - Antonio Galloni (June 2021)