The Data

Country   USA

Appellation   Paso Robles

Varietal   Red Blend

Retail Price   $35

ABV   15%

Score   4.5 Stars/95 points

In the Glass

Deep, bright, ruby red color.

The aromatics are simply beautiful. Scents of deep, dense black fruits are supported by accents of leather, star anise, wild mint, lavender, sagebrush, mineral, and brown baking spices.

The palate is in full agreement with the nose delivering waves of freshly crushed black berries with silky flanking notes of spice, earth, herbs, and dried cherries.

Full-bodied with lush, silky fruit and an ideal dose of vibrant acidty that gives a brightness to the wine and prolongs the palate finishing with moderate, chewy tannins.

Cool Factor

Tablas Creek is a unique winery in California seamlessly marrying Old World and New World winemaking and setting the standard for Rhone varietals in California. What could be cooler?

Value Grade

You would be hard-pressed to find a better Southern Rhône red for the money.

Analysis

This rich and hedonistic wine is made with a classic Rhône blend of 44% Grenache, 36% Syrah, 12% Counoise, and 8% Mourvedre. As is typical at Tablas Creek the wine sees both stainless steel and large wood vats for fermentation and aging followed by a light and gentle filtration. The resulting wine is rich and complex reminding me of a great Southern Rhône Rasteau. It's perfectly proportioned while being slightly wild. 94 points out of 100.

How to Enjoy

This dense and rich wine really needs to be decanted to be fully enjoyed. It does drink beautifully now but it will only get better and has at least of decade in the cellar. Pair with rich, layered stews and braised dishes.