Beverage of the Week (BOW)
Tablas Creek Esprit de Tablas Adelaida District 2018
Product Story
The 2018 Esprit de Tablas is a charming and nuanced Châteauneuf du Pape tribute created in Paso Robles by Tablas Creek. If you love the wines of the Rhône and have not tried Tablas Creek — what are you waiting for? It's crafted with a blend of 40% Mourvedre, 27% Syrah, 23% Grenache, and 10% Counoise. The blend changes from vintage to vintage but the Esprit is always led by Mourvedre (ranging from 49% to 40% in the six vintages we have reviewed). The grapes for this wine were grown in their certified organic and biodynamic estate vineyard. The four varietals were all fermented separately in a variety of vessels from wooden, upright fermenters, open-top tanks, and closed stainless steel. The best lots were blended in June 2019 and then rested in a foudre for an additional 13 months before bottling. What a beauty with power and elegance.
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 very intense offering scents of black plum and black currant with supporting notes of anise, black tea, slate, and campfire. The palate echoes the nose delivering a black fruit-driven core with flavors of blackberry, five spice, and smoked meat. The finish is long and lingering with chewy tannins and subtle, sweet balsamic notes on the finish. Full-bodied and perfectly balanced with a meaty yet silky texture.
How to Serve
Drink now or later — that is a the big question. If you drink this wine this year please decant it and wait for 30 to 60 minutes before serving. This wine will live for a decade-plus in your cellar. Pair with roasted duck, grilled lamb, or beef braised in red wine.
Price: $ 60
BevX Review: http://bevx.com/wine-detail/?id=4021
