Tablas Creek Patelin de Tablas Blanc Adelaida District 2018

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Tablas Creek Patelin de Tablas Blanc Adelaida District 2018

Product Story

This complex and delicious white is a careful blend of five varietals: 48% Grenache Blanc, 22% Viognier, 12% Marsanne, 13% Roussanne, and 5% Clairette Blanche. I greatly appreciate that the trio of Tablas Creek (white and red Patelin de Tablas, Côtes de Tablas, and Esprit de Tablas) Rhône-inspired blends are not simply an ascending ladder of prices of oak treatments rather each expression is a unique blend. All varietals for the Patelin Blanc were whole cluster pressed and fermented with native yeasts in stainless steel tanks to preserve the fresh and crisp fruit flavors.

Brand Story

Tablas Creek is a unique animal on the California wine scene. They are unquestioned pioneers in the movement of Rhône-styled wines in California and many consider them to be the absolute best-in-class. While many wineries in California make wines with classic Rhône varietals, Tablas Creek makes wines with the heart and soul of the Rhône. They were founded in 1989 by a collaboration between two iconic wine families – the Perin family of Chateau de Beaucastel and the Haas family of Vineyard Brands. Together they chose vineyard locations in Paso Robles, imported vine cuttings from the Rhône, and built vineyards and a winery from the dirt up. Their vineyard site in the Adelaida District of Paso Robles is a close match to climatic conditions and soils found at Chateau de Beaucastel. Their wines are not at all typically Californian in style. While they are not clones of Rhône wines, they are rather a unique expression of Paso Robles fruit grown at elevation with the winemaking touch of an old Rhône master. The resulting wines are filled with personality, never compromised, and frequently world-class.

Tasting Note

Brilliant, medium gold/green color. The nose is moderately intense offering scents of pear and white peach with supporting notes of green apple, spring flowers, kumquat, and wild mint. The palate echoes the nose delivering a ripe orchard fruits-driven core with flavors of ripe orchard fruits with citrus, pineapple, and grapefruit. The finish is long and lingering with citrus zest and green apple skin. Medium-bodied and perfectly balanced with a vibrant yet generous texture.