Beverage of the Week (BOW)
Tablas Creek Côtes de Tablas Adelaida District 2018
Product Story
This rich and hedonistic wine is made with a classic Rhône blend of 45% Grenache, 33% Syrah, 12% Counoise, and 10% Mourvédre. The 2018 vintage provided near ideal conditions with cooler than normal temperature with a six week heatwave in July to August followed by moderate temperatures again before harvest. As is typical at Tablas Creek this wine is fermented in both stainless steel and large wood, upright vats. Once blended this wine spends a year in a large French foudres prior to bottling. The resulting wine is rich and opulent with perfect balance and style to spare. Drink it now or hold for a decade.
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, deep ruby color. The aromatics are quite intense and complex offering scents of black currant, mineral, and black tea with supporting notes of fig and cocoa. The palate confirms the nose delivering a red and black fruits-driven core with flavors of blackberry, red plum, cassis, and fresh herbs. The finish is long and lingering with chalky tannins. Full-bodied and perfectly balanced with an opulent texture.
How to Serve
This complex and beautiful wine really needs to be decanted to be fully enjoyed. It does drink wonderfully now but it will only get better and has at least of decade in the cellar. Pair with rich, layered stews and braised dishes.
Price: $ 35
BevX Review: http://bevx.com/wine-detail/?id=3992
