One of the outstanding 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.
I absolutely loved the new wines across the board. I have had the chance to review more than 100 Rose wines for my upcoming Rose Report. Look to one of the great Rose wines made in North America, the 2019 Tablas Creek ’Dianthus’ Rose (WWB, 93) which is rich and vibrant, with loads of tension and acidity, as well as weight and range. I loved the 2018 Tablas Creek Roussanne (WWB, 94) which stands tall amongst the best Roussanne bottlings in North America. Rich and beautifully textured, with a bright core of acidity, this is a seriously good white wine by Tablas Creek that has excellent aging potential. Learn more about these outstanding wines at https://tablascreek.com Here are the compelling new wines by Tablas Creek.
2019 Tablas Creek Vermentino- One of the unusual varietals that you don’t find throughout North America, Tablas Creek has gained a very strong reputation for crafting this wine, a variety that is typically grown in the Rhone Valley and in Italy. The wine is beautifully structured with a silky texture that entices. Bright kiwi and gooseberry flavors mingle with wet stone and cut grass tones on the palate. Lithe and refreshing, yet gratifying with its richness, the 2019 Tablas Creek Vermentino will provide drinking enjoyment for the next five to seven years. Drink 2020-2025- 92
2018 Tablas Creek Roussanne- Very pretty shades of beeswax and ripe melon build aromatically in the glass, with wet stone and Pazzaz apple accents. The palate is marvelously textured with an almost unctuous mouthfeel. Wait for the long, highly gratifying finish that provides the proper crescendo at the end. A stunning wine in its youth, with the combination of weight and acidity, the 2018 Tablas Creek Roussanne will enjoy a long life ahead of it. Drink 2020-2027- 94
2019 Tablas Creek ‘Patelin de Tablas’ Rose- The 2019 ‘Patelin de Tablas’ is a really cool blend that utilizes nine different vineyards in Paso Robles and is primarily Grenache based (76%). With just a kiss of sweetness you are greeted to very pretty rose water, red currants, pomegranate seed and shades of blood orange zest on the palate. This has some seriously good length as the 2019 ‘Patelin de Tablas’ Rose will be best enjoyed over the next five to seven years. Drink 2020-2025- 90
2019 Tablas Creek ‘Dianthus’ Rose- The 2019 ‘Dianthus’ Rose is a scintillating new effort that is truly one of the top Rose wines you will find in California. A blend of Mourvedre (52%). Grenache (33%) and Counoise (13%), the ‘Dianthus’ shows off its vibrant pink hue, delivering rich red rose petals and guava tones that collide with suggestions of damp earth and orange blossom aromatics that all take shape in the glass. The palate is marvelously textured with a silky mouthfeel. Layers of red fruits dance with citrus rind, rose water and shades of damp stone on this highly complex palate. The combination of richness, viscosity, tension and length is truly marvelous in this thrilling new Rose. Marvelous to enjoy in its youth, the 2019 ‘Dianthus’ Rose will enjoy a long life ahead of it, picking up early tones as it ages. Drink 2020-2028- 93
2018 Tablas Creek ‘Patelin de Tablas’ Red Wine- A blend of mostly Grenache, Mourvedre and Syrah, the ‘Patelin de Tablas’ has medium bodied red fruit flavors with shades of white pepper, smoked meats and Provencale herbs. Enjoy this in its youth while the brightness remains. Drink 2020-2025- 90
2018 Tablas Creek ‘Cotes de Tablas’ Red Wine- A blend of primarily Syrah (43%) and Syrah (33%) with smaller portions Mourvedre and Grenache, the 2018 ‘Cotes de Tablas’ shows a wonderfully soft texture with guava, red cherry candy, orange and and cigar box flavors. This has seriously good length and bright acidity, with a silky texture that entices. Enjoy this great new wine over the next seven to ten years. Drink 2020-2027- 92