87
Beckmen Vineyards 2018 Grenache Rosé Purisima Mountain Vineyard Ballard Canyon $25
Brisk and invigorating, this 1,000 case Grenache rosé (with a 13% dollop of Syrah) has an impressive depth of flavor. In fact, there's such excellent intensity that it is leagues better on Day 2; the wine really benefited from that time to unfold. It's not that it isn't enjoyable on Day 1, but then it exhibits cotton candy and confected tones that I much prefer to have worn off. Day 2's palette includes smashed strawberries and green watermelon rind. It's a compelling combination of ripe and squeakingly fresh! There's a combination of plumpness and feisty acidity (despite the 13.7% abv) that keeps the palate feel flowing.
Drink: 2019-20

89
Beckmen Vineyards 2017 Cuvée Le Bec Santa Ynez Valley $25
I've not loved this wine before, so I am delighted to be head over heels for its 2017 incarnation. It's got a soft and juicy texture with a sleek, supporting tannin structure and pithy acidity. It's spicy. It's bramly. It's chock full of blackberries and rimmed with black plum skin. It's a bit pungent in alcohol (at 14.2% abv), but otherwise it is well balanced. The juiciness makes it gluggable, and the blend of 47% Syrah, 35% Grenache, 11% Mourvèdre, 7% Counoise gives it a fascinating complexity. There's some serious minerality on the finish, even if it's only moderately long.
Dirnk: 2019-21