Santa Ynez

After our brief trip to Paso Robles on Saturday we were in Santa Ynez on Sunday and went to a couple wineries. First stop was Beckmen (of course).

2005 Beckmen Sauvignon Blanc, Purisima Mountain Vineyard
2005 Beckmen Le Bec Blanc
2005 Beckmen Grenache Rose, Purisima Mountain Vineyard
2005 Beckmen Grenache, Estate
2005 Beckmen Grenache, Purisma Mountain Vineyard
2004 Beckmen Syrah, Estate
2005 Beckmen Syrah, Purisima Mountain Vineyard
2005 Beckmen Cabernet Sauvignon, Estate
2005 Beckmen Syrah Clone #1, Purisma Mountain Vineyard

Everything was really good as usual ... no surprises. We bought a bottle of the Clone #1 and two bottles of their 2nd label, 2005 Big Hands Syrah ... they weren't pouring it but it was just $12/each. I did learn that their 05 PMV Grenache is 20% Syrah and that they don't have to label it as a blend if it has less than 25% of the 2nd varietal.

After Beckmen we went to lunch at Patrick's Side Street Cafe in Los Olivos. Good food, service was a little lacking though. It was close to closing time so I just think they were bothered by us. Oh well though. Had a glass of 2005 Jaffurs Viognier w/ lunch ... rich gold color and the most sediment I've ever seen in a white wine. Good, but not great.

Then we went to Curtis Winery ... we had tried to go there once before but it was packed w/ tons of people so we left immediately. But this time it was definitely manageable. The tasting was $10 (and by taking the glass next door to Firestone you'd be able to taste there for free).

2005 Curtis Viognier
2006 Curtis Heritage Blanc
2006 Curtis Heritage Rose
2004 Curtis Grenache, "The Crossroad"
2004 Curtis Syrah, Vogelzang Vineyard
2004 Syrah, Ambassador's Vineyard

Everything was okay, nothing really stood out as being great and we did not buy any bottles. The winery is a sister winery to Firestone and gets all of their grapes from Firestone (except for the Vogelzang Syrah).

After Curtis we drove back into Los Olivos and went to the Los Olivos Cafe for dessert ... a fresh fruit cobbler (strawberry and apricot) and a creme brulee. mmmmmm. Then back home....