A few months ago during Covid world I sat across from Tablas Creek GM Jason Haas.. While not technically at the same table together, we met over Instagram Live and we both reveled in what was nothing short of a spectacular tasting of his premier Southern Rhone style red wine, the ‘Espirit de Tablas.’ That was truly a tasting to remember.
One of the outstanding producers of 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.
I adored the new wines across the board. Look to the 2019 Tablas Creek ‘Patelin de Tablas’ White Wine (OB, 90) which is a killer value and shows beautifully especially if you catch a warm day. I was blown away with its bigger sister, the 2018 Tablas Creek ‘Espirit Blanc de Tablas’ White Wine (OB, 95) which is dense and has a killer mouthfeel and seriously good aromatic and flavor range. A show-stopping wine, the 2018 Tablas Creek ‘Espirit de Tablas’ Red Wine (OB, 96) is a Mourvedre dominant wine akin to Chateau de Beaucastel. This deep and inky wine really needs either a few years of bottle age or some time in the decanter but once aroused it unveils thrilling range and mouthfeel, with a vibrant degree of tension and rich viscosity that gives this serious aging potential. Trust me, these ‘Espirit de Tablas’ wines can age . Learn more about these outstanding wines at https://tablascreek.com Here are the compelling new wines by Tablas Creek.
2019 Tablas Creek ‘Patelin de Tablas Blanc’ White Wine- The 2019 ‘Patelin de Tablas Blanc’ is a seriously good value white wine comprised of mainly Grenache Blanc (35%), Roussanne (25%) and Viognier (19%) with smaller portions Marsanne and Clairette Blanc. Soft and elegant upon entry, this shows wonderful honeysuckle and lychee tones that mingle with honeydew melon, salted Macadamia nut and green papaya. This would be a delight to savor on a hot summer day. Drink 2020-2025- 90
2019 Tablas Creek ‘Cotes de Tablas Blanc’ White Wine- A sensational value, primarily Viognier (44%) and Marsanne (29%) with small portions Grenache Blanc and Roussanne. Ripe cantaloupe and honeycomb flavors combine with shades of orange blossom water, candied ginger and salty undertones on the palate. The texture and wonderful length of the wine really makes this tick. Great to enjoy in its youth, this has another decade of life ahead of it. Drink 2020-2028- 92
2018 Tablas Creek ‘Espirit Blanc de Tablas’ White Wine- The 2018 ‘Espirit Blanc de Tablas’ is a stunning blend of 66% Roussanne and 21% Grenache Blanc with small portions Picpoul Blanc, Picardan and Clairette Blanc. The nose is gorgeous, showing layers of buttercream and salted Macadamia nut that combine with honeydew melon and white peach with lychee that all meld in the glass. The palate is rich and viscous, with a great veil of salinity and tension. With serious weight, the almost unctuous texture impresses with layers of ginger, cantaloupe, Japanese pear and white peach that all sing in unison. Truly a one of a kind wine, this gorgeous Rhone style wine will have more than a decade of life ahead of it. Drink 2020-2033- 95
2018 Tablas Creek Grenache- Tablas Creek has a great reputation for this varietal and this edition is one of the great Grenache releases I’ve had from this region over the past year. Pretty red cherry and guava puree tones collide with smoky minerals and blood orange zest on this evocative nose. The palate is fresh, vibrant and mineral-driven, showing good mid-palate weight and incredible tension. Very pretty red fruits mingle with rose water, Mandarin orange rind and copious minerals on the palate. The depth here and seamless quality mid-palate really impresses. Great to savor in its youth, this beautiful wine will cellar well over the next ten plus years. Drink 2020-2032- 94
2018 Tablas Creek Mourvedre- The 2018 Mourvedre by Tablas Creek is a sensational new bottling that captures that smoky tones of the varietal. Creosote, ripe red currants, Tangerine zest and shades of white pepper all fill the nose. The palate is elegant and beautifully textured. Layers of pretty guava and cran-pomegranate combine with shades of Hoisin sauce, smoked brisket and Umami tones on the palate. Elegant and showing off a seamless mouthfeel, this beautiful wine will cellar well for at least another decade. Drink 2020-2034- 93
2018 Tablas Creek ‘Espirit de Tablas’ Red Wine- Always a Mourvedre dominant wine, the 2018 ‘Espirit de Tablas’ red wine is a sensational new release. A blend of 40% Mourvedre with 27% Syrah and smaller parts Grenache, and Counoise, the 2018 ‘Espirit de Tablas’ shows really good aromatic range from white pepper and dried Provencale herbs to wild blackberries and shades of charcuterie on this gorgeous bouquet. Once on the the attack the wine is silky and highly elegant, seamlessly gliding across the mid-palate. Ripe red currants dance with minerals, huckleberry, smoked meats, green olive tapenade and white pepper with a light saline steak throughout the drinking experience. Complex and magical to enjoy in its youth, with a great combination of weight and finesse, this beautiful wine will cellar well for another fifteen to twenty years. Drink 2020-2038- 96