Beck Vineyard

Overall, precipitation for the 2020 season in Paso Robles was on par with it’s 25-year historical average. Springtime enjoyed temperate daytime temperatures, which allowed vines to have good flower bloom, healthy canopy growth, and modest fruit set (after two previous years of above average crop loads). Late August and September saw record heat waves; fortunately, the protective canopies and moderate fruit load allowed the vines to withstand the heat with little desiccation. The 2020 J. Lohr Beck Vineyard Syrah was hand-picked on September 25th, 2020. A portion of the Syrah was co-fermented in a small open-top tank with aromatic Viognier grapes also grown on the ranch. Viewed from the tank top, co-fermentation of the white and black grapes together creates a unique “salt and pepper” look with exhilarating spice and floral aromatics. Elevage was 16 months in neutral French oak barrels to preserve these racy fruit aromas with the least possible oak impact.