WINE: Beckmen “Cuvee Le Bec” Santa Ynez Valley Rhone Blend 2008
FOOD: Filet Mignon Stuffed with Blue Cheese
Dark ruby red in color, with aromas of cherry, dark berries, vanilla and baking spices. Its deep fruit flavors with a “Vanilla Coke” element, lead to a long spicy, oaky finish. With medium tannins and a silky texture, this wine pairs beautifully with Greg’s Blue Cheese Stuffed Filet. There is just enough Rhone-style gaminess (think Cotes du Rhone Villages) to complement the beef, but also retains the powerful fruitiness of a California wine.Cuvee Le Bec
Once known collectively as California’s “Rhone Rangers,” more and more winemaker’s are producing wines made from the grape varietals grown in France’s Rhone Valley. These grapes include Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre, Cinsaut, Marsanne, Roussanne and Viognier to name but a few. In my opinion, some of the most interesting wines being made in California emulate the Rhone Valley Styles. Look for wines from Sine Qua Non, Tablas Creek, Bonny Doon, Qupe, and Zaca Mesa.
GRANT HENRY
PRICE: about $18.00
Also pairs well with Cheese, game birds, lamb, mushrooms, pork, rabbit, stews.
Category- Red
Varietals- Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre, and Counoise
Region– Santa Ynez Valley, Central Coast, California
Available at:
