![Own Landscape3](https://beckmen.imgix.net/blog/OwnLandscape3.jpg?auto=compress&crop=focalpoint&domain=beckmen.imgix.net&fit=crop&fm=pjpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1375&ixlib=php-3.3.1&w=2200&s=aec2e0090fe99b58bbba3cc89f63cd88 2200w, https://beckmen.imgix.net/blog/OwnLandscape3.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&domain=beckmen.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1250&ixlib=php-3.3.1&w=2000&s=a01131e13f991de04fa143e2da44232a 2000w, https://beckmen.imgix.net/blog/OwnLandscape3.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&domain=beckmen.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1125&ixlib=php-3.3.1&w=1800&s=6f9f203f0bc8a36c577f8a15e3ff96d8 1800w, https://beckmen.imgix.net/blog/OwnLandscape3.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&domain=beckmen.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1000&ixlib=php-3.3.1&w=1600&s=41b77877e26cb1503316d7bedf185c47 1600w, https://beckmen.imgix.net/blog/OwnLandscape3.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&domain=beckmen.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=812&ixlib=php-3.3.1&w=1300&s=1d4d093681ccdc553aab00cd7a3fed3e 1300w, https://beckmen.imgix.net/blog/OwnLandscape3.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&domain=beckmen.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=687&ixlib=php-3.3.1&w=1100&s=39b37361488b0096ac05aa8c896b24ab 1100w, https://beckmen.imgix.net/blog/OwnLandscape3.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&domain=beckmen.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=562&ixlib=php-3.3.1&w=900&s=6bc027f12214b419c2be300746374d36 900w, https://beckmen.imgix.net/blog/OwnLandscape3.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&domain=beckmen.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=500&ixlib=php-3.3.1&w=800&s=0688079f03ebdbb641722c4dcf0e44f1 800w, https://beckmen.imgix.net/blog/OwnLandscape3.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&domain=beckmen.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=375&ixlib=php-3.3.1&w=600&s=576f4a46e21d097d039155a17a8b3390 600w, https://beckmen.imgix.net/blog/OwnLandscape3.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&domain=beckmen.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=250&ixlib=php-3.3.1&w=400&s=e7b523724faf32de75208234b206f664 400w)
The Roots of our Newest Syrah
Posted: May 5, 2022
The Purisima Mountain Vineyard is a terroir where Syrah flourishes and develops a distinct character. Within these acres, we’ve found ways to accentuate the different aspects of our signature Syrah. Clone #1 Syrah is known to have a signature whiff of meaty smoke, and on top of the mountain, Block Six Syrah develops its characteristic limestone minerality. For Quarter 2 of 2022, we’re proud to present a new expression, Purisima Mountain Vineyard Own Syrah made from blocks of ungrafted vines. The results are powerful, structured, and just as memorable as our previous small-lot Syrah releases, which have become classics.
![Beckmen pmv b4 syrah hill](https://beckmen.imgix.net/general-images/beckmen-pmv-b4-syrah-hill.jpg?auto=compress&crop=focalpoint&domain=beckmen.imgix.net&fit=crop&fm=pjpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1375&ixlib=php-3.3.1&w=2200&s=02c9d700179fc85aee717c5e8b3bf765 2200w, https://beckmen.imgix.net/general-images/beckmen-pmv-b4-syrah-hill.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&domain=beckmen.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1250&ixlib=php-3.3.1&w=2000&s=1256946d7b023783ae8fa2e2f293e9a6 2000w, https://beckmen.imgix.net/general-images/beckmen-pmv-b4-syrah-hill.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&domain=beckmen.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1125&ixlib=php-3.3.1&w=1800&s=f964876c39a950d869dca65d52a2591e 1800w, https://beckmen.imgix.net/general-images/beckmen-pmv-b4-syrah-hill.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&domain=beckmen.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1000&ixlib=php-3.3.1&w=1600&s=629f02a8811ae4b28fd1955cc5574027 1600w, https://beckmen.imgix.net/general-images/beckmen-pmv-b4-syrah-hill.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&domain=beckmen.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=812&ixlib=php-3.3.1&w=1300&s=26fc4e8730aafd44b110d4552bb2253d 1300w, https://beckmen.imgix.net/general-images/beckmen-pmv-b4-syrah-hill.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&domain=beckmen.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=687&ixlib=php-3.3.1&w=1100&s=e64580e7e5e53225748f8b7b447f50ce 1100w, https://beckmen.imgix.net/general-images/beckmen-pmv-b4-syrah-hill.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&domain=beckmen.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=562&ixlib=php-3.3.1&w=900&s=c0c6785f0195c2a1027235c847cb9dbe 900w, https://beckmen.imgix.net/general-images/beckmen-pmv-b4-syrah-hill.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&domain=beckmen.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=500&ixlib=php-3.3.1&w=800&s=08ff6368eb1c6d5685dad4029b5e91db 800w, https://beckmen.imgix.net/general-images/beckmen-pmv-b4-syrah-hill.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&domain=beckmen.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=375&ixlib=php-3.3.1&w=600&s=2849222c2a93e43206ebc5b053cf9a10 600w, https://beckmen.imgix.net/general-images/beckmen-pmv-b4-syrah-hill.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&domain=beckmen.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=250&ixlib=php-3.3.1&w=400&s=10e04f7125e7bf318b93cd0b0149f936 400w)
Grapevines are vulnerable to many illnesses, Vitis vinifera, the species that encompasses quality wine grape varieties, even more so. European in origin, vinifera vines were almost wiped out when they were unwittingly introduced to the American phylloxera louse. For this and many other reasons, grapevines are usually grafted onto rootstocks that are bred to be resistant to phylloxera bugs and some other pests and diseases.
Own-rooted vines require a year to two more to develop than a grafted vine. They are rooted in place, needing the first year or two to develop their rooting foundation. Once that is established, the vine can be trained, but during this tender period, the vine is fragile and vulnerable to burrowing nuisances, like gophers, and there is the constant threat of phyllorexa. It’s not enough to say that the decision to plant ungrafted vines isn’t made lightly. It’s hardly ever made at all. Purisima Mountain Syrah is different.
Syrah is a good grower. Syrah is a good rooter. Syrah is vigorous but not overly vigorous. Our process of planting own-rooted Syrah began gradually and cautiously. As we noticed that the ungrafted vines were growing without problems, and in fact thriving, we continued to add more in more rows and with more clones.
We take rootstock seriously. Our vineyard maps indicate which rootstock is used throughout our farms. The subtle difference in these can change the way that that the same grape clone communicates with the soil. Rootstocks can have various amounts of vigor. Own-rooted vines reflect the vigor of the variety. To help control the vigor of the own-rooted Syrah, we doubled the density in many of those blocks so the vines would regulate themselves through competition for resources.
We’re always seeking ways to make a more direct expression of the vineyard. Since rootstock is the conduit between the fruit and the soil, vines that grow their own roots are more connected to the land. Own-rooted vines are another effort in our mission to achieve a clearer translation of vineyard to wine. Our inaugural release of Purisima Mountain Vineyard Own Syrah comes from four different clones (Clone #1, Clone #383, Estrella, and BB) that were mostly planted from Purisima Mountain Vineyard cuttings.
![Beckmen pmv b4 syrah grapevines V](https://beckmen.imgix.net/general-images/beckmen-pmv-b4-syrah-grapevinesV.jpg?auto=compress&crop=focalpoint&domain=beckmen.imgix.net&fit=crop&fm=pjpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1375&ixlib=php-3.3.1&w=2200&s=af6ac127069352e2e7b4b7fa300c1df4 2200w, https://beckmen.imgix.net/general-images/beckmen-pmv-b4-syrah-grapevinesV.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&domain=beckmen.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1250&ixlib=php-3.3.1&w=2000&s=2414b27f5e9bfa13efec8e3d8f211c3a 2000w, https://beckmen.imgix.net/general-images/beckmen-pmv-b4-syrah-grapevinesV.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&domain=beckmen.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1125&ixlib=php-3.3.1&w=1800&s=f6cb3441416361f20a6032ecd5f5c236 1800w, https://beckmen.imgix.net/general-images/beckmen-pmv-b4-syrah-grapevinesV.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&domain=beckmen.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1000&ixlib=php-3.3.1&w=1600&s=68c2b4450113fdea19a70cdf4e64a41e 1600w, https://beckmen.imgix.net/general-images/beckmen-pmv-b4-syrah-grapevinesV.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&domain=beckmen.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=812&ixlib=php-3.3.1&w=1300&s=a5e75705bc04a681b7a31b44a45e331b 1300w, https://beckmen.imgix.net/general-images/beckmen-pmv-b4-syrah-grapevinesV.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&domain=beckmen.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=687&ixlib=php-3.3.1&w=1100&s=f1832a85ede775a456a17ceed6b460e1 1100w, https://beckmen.imgix.net/general-images/beckmen-pmv-b4-syrah-grapevinesV.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&domain=beckmen.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=562&ixlib=php-3.3.1&w=900&s=8564f0db2e6dda3716249b8bae5aff3c 900w, https://beckmen.imgix.net/general-images/beckmen-pmv-b4-syrah-grapevinesV.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&domain=beckmen.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=500&ixlib=php-3.3.1&w=800&s=f57f479d5c4716bcf710724032640381 800w, https://beckmen.imgix.net/general-images/beckmen-pmv-b4-syrah-grapevinesV.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&domain=beckmen.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=375&ixlib=php-3.3.1&w=600&s=28a2f4cb5a784d65c79f17b79e7a339b 600w, https://beckmen.imgix.net/general-images/beckmen-pmv-b4-syrah-grapevinesV.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&domain=beckmen.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=250&ixlib=php-3.3.1&w=400&s=f2e13a618f8e408f3fc9ec9b8e2a69a8 400w)
There are basic advantages to own-rooted vines, in that you don’t have to buy grafted vines from a nursery and that our own-rooted Syrah vines seem to need less water. This cost-savings is considerable, but the risk of losing everything to a blight more than makes up for it. So why do we do it? The rewards of our risk are in the bottle. There is an unexpected depth and structure to these own-rooted wines. The wine explodes in the mid-palate and promises decades of evolution in the cellar. In fact, Steve says it’s his favorite Syrah of the 2020 vintage.
![Beckmen pmv B8 spring](https://beckmen.imgix.net/general-images/beckmen-pmv-B8-spring.jpg?auto=compress&crop=focalpoint&domain=beckmen.imgix.net&fit=crop&fm=pjpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1375&ixlib=php-3.3.1&w=2200&s=1c8218cec6e424b3f480f197bc3de322 2200w, https://beckmen.imgix.net/general-images/beckmen-pmv-B8-spring.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&domain=beckmen.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1250&ixlib=php-3.3.1&w=2000&s=6e593d3fd4a287b29e8febd8dcce2210 2000w, https://beckmen.imgix.net/general-images/beckmen-pmv-B8-spring.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&domain=beckmen.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1125&ixlib=php-3.3.1&w=1800&s=5b44df2d11d5e32bfe9f7e68c115b213 1800w, https://beckmen.imgix.net/general-images/beckmen-pmv-B8-spring.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&domain=beckmen.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1000&ixlib=php-3.3.1&w=1600&s=53f1fb3d885ea6fa39be1db1a8bcad43 1600w, https://beckmen.imgix.net/general-images/beckmen-pmv-B8-spring.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&domain=beckmen.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=812&ixlib=php-3.3.1&w=1300&s=fbdf4808336f5deddd811c5d6cf60e52 1300w, https://beckmen.imgix.net/general-images/beckmen-pmv-B8-spring.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&domain=beckmen.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=687&ixlib=php-3.3.1&w=1100&s=ad45ae22745ddc1b255b6663f594beff 1100w, https://beckmen.imgix.net/general-images/beckmen-pmv-B8-spring.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&domain=beckmen.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=562&ixlib=php-3.3.1&w=900&s=7255d31e3f662d5091bbc9a1768cd5c2 900w, https://beckmen.imgix.net/general-images/beckmen-pmv-B8-spring.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&domain=beckmen.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=500&ixlib=php-3.3.1&w=800&s=3f6fcec41941b791c4457daed2a979b5 800w, https://beckmen.imgix.net/general-images/beckmen-pmv-B8-spring.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&domain=beckmen.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=375&ixlib=php-3.3.1&w=600&s=add274e6967a3ea316c8a15efb709bff 600w, https://beckmen.imgix.net/general-images/beckmen-pmv-B8-spring.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&domain=beckmen.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=250&ixlib=php-3.3.1&w=400&s=c20291196d430e1cc341d40ebaa2daa9 400w)
While this is our first release of Own Syrah, it’s not our first release of an own-rooted wine. Purisima Mountain Vineyard Viognier and Purisima Mountain Vineyard Block Eight Grenache are both made with ungrafted vines. Currently, about 22% of Purisima Mountain Vineyard Syrah is planted on own-rooted vines. Previously, this had been mostly blended into Purisima Mountain Vineyard Syrah. We anticipate Own becoming a favorite of our releases for as long as these vulnerable vines persist. Most members will be receiving this as a Quarter 2 release, but we think everyone that appreciates the joys of Purisima Mountain Vineyard Syrah will want to have a bottle for their “own” at some point.