One of the top producers in Paso Robles, Tablas Creek was founded in 1990 by Jean-Pierre and François Perrin of the Perrin family, proprietors of Beaucastel since the early 20th century, and Robert Haas, an importer and the founder of Vineyard Brands. In 1989 the Perrins and Haas chose the site, a former alfalfa farm that is set on limestone soils in the Adelaida Hills. From the beginning they focused on Rhône-style wines made organically. The first plantings took place in1994 and the first Tablas Creek Vineyard wines produced in 1997. The winery has been an incredible success since that time, reaching worldwide acclaim particularly for their Rhone style red and white blends.
The new releases were exciting, energetic and terroir driven, largely coming from an exceedingly hot vintage (2015) in Paso Robles. A killer value, the 2016 Tablas Creek ‘Patelin de Tablas’ White Wine (WWB, 90) won’t break the bank but offers really lovely range and poise. The white wine show-stopper of the bunch is the 2015 Tablas Creek ‘Espirit de Tablas’ White Wine (WWB, 94). With its oily texture and rich mouthfeel, this gorgeous Rhone style blend will cellar well for a decade or more. Not to be outdone is the 2015 Tablas Creek ‘Espirit de Tablas’ Red Wine (WWB, 94) which is largely Syrah and Grenache based and dives into red and dark fruits with a wonderful stony terroir. Learn more about these outstanding wines at https://tablascreek.com Here are the compelling new wines by Tablas Creek.
2016 Tablas Creek ‘Patelin de Tablas’ White Wine- A compelling blend of primarily Grenache Blanc and Voignier, this wine shows a wonderful poise with kumquat, white peach and green apple flavors. Crisp and refreshing, this is an outstanding value by Tablas Creek. Drink 2018-2022- 90
2016 Tablas Creek ‘Cotes de Tablas’ White Wine- The oily texture grips you immediate in this blend of primarily Viognier and Grenache Blanc. Flavors of bright starfruit, green papaya, and unripe banana complete this gorgeous wine. The minerality is really outstanding. Drink 2018-2024- 92
2015 Tablas Creek Roussanne- The Roussanne by Tablas Creek starts with beeswax, and nectarine aromatics. The mouthfeel is fantastic here, as is the compelling structure. A bit tightly wound, the palate opens up following an hour decant with papaya, baked apple and dried apricot flavors. A delight to savor, this is one of the best of its kind, as this finishes strong with whipping cream. Drink 2018-2024- 92
2015 Tablas Creek ‘Espirit Blanc de Tablas’ White Wine- The 2015 ‘Espirit Blanc de Tablas’ is a blend of largely Roussanne, with smaller portions Grenache Blanca and Picpoul Blanc. Needing some time to fully amalgamate in the decanter, this has brioche, toasted hazelnut and poached pear aromatics. The mouthfeel and texture to this wine really shines. Apricot, straw, Challah bread and green papaya flavors show enormous range. This finishes with vanilla cream. An outstanding blend, this wine of great weight and tension will cellar well for a decade or more. Drink 2018-2028- 94
2015 Tablas Creek ‘Patelin de Tablas’ Red Wine- A blend of largely Syrah and Grenache, the wine jumps out of the gate with heady aromatics of red fruits with a touch of prune and milk chocolate. The palate is plush, especially following a one hour decant. Red currant, red cherry candy and suggestions of baking spices entice. Fruity and downright delicious, this warm vintage wine is best enjoyed over the next six years. Drink 2018-2024- 90
2015 Tablas Creek ‘Cotes de Tablas’ Red Wine- The 2015 ‘Cotes de Tablas’ is a fantastic blend of 39% Grenache, 35% Syrah, 16% Counoise and 10% Mourvedre. This starts off with aromatics reminiscent of red cherry, orange zest and suggestions of cran-pomegranate. The sexy red fruits also shine on the palate with good length and tension. Balanced and lithe, this is a fantastic showing from an Uber-hot vintage in Paso Robles. Drink 2018-2024- 92
2015 Tablas Creek Mourvèdre- One of the best of its kind in California, the smoky nose hits you immediately with green bell pepper and black fruit notes intermingling. The palate shows wonderful richness and texture. The meaty quality shines through with black cherry and black olive beautifully complimenting. Drink 2018-2026- 92
2015 Tablas Creek ‘Espirit de Tablas’ Red Wine-The expressive nose brings red cherry, dried sage, red currant and a touch of blood orange. The aromatics improve with more than an hour decant, showing more range and expression. The astringency and poise to this wine is fantastic and sets the tone for a wonderful combination of red and dark fruits. The light, flinty quality to the wine adds to the drinking enjoyment. Dense and chewy this is a wonderful wine by Tablas Creek. Drink 2018-2028- 94