This wine always overdelivers, and this vintage's blend of 50% Syrah, 38% Grenache, 7% Mourvèdre and 5% Counoise continues the tradition. Aromas of baked berry, cinnamon, mace and wood on the nose land with lively energy on the palate. The brisk plum and cinnamon flavors are undercut by clay, dust and fine tannins. A very versatile wine for the table.

The 2021 Cuvée Le Bec is a very beautiful entry-level offering from Steve Beckmen. The cooler style of the year comes through in the wine's aromatic presence and lighter personality vis-à-vis most years. Dark red cherry, plum, wild flowers, spice and dried herbs all run through this Syrah-based blend.

I always love this cuvée from Beckmen, and the 2021 Cuvee Le Bec shines for its juicy, up-front, delicious style. A blend of 50% Syrah, 38% Grenache, and the rest Mourvèdre and Counoise, it offers lots of plump blackberry fruit, some peppery herbs, violet nuances, medium body, and a juicy, clean, lengthy finish. An outstanding wine, it will stand toe to toe with the finest Côtes du Rhône out there.