One of the premier wineries in Paso Robles, Tablas Creek started as an iconic partnership between Chateau Beaucastel and Robert Haas, owner of their United States importer, Vineyard Brands. Last year I was fortunate enough to undertake what was nothing short of a spectacular tasting of their famed Southern Rhone style red wine, the ‘Espirit de Tablas.’ I was struck by the incredible aging potential of these wines.
It is hard to believe that this winery began all the way back in 1990 when Beaucastel proprietors Jean-Pierre and François Perrin and Robert Haas found 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 loved the new 2020 Tablas Creek ‘Patelin de Tablas’ Rose (OB, 90) which is such a fantastic deal with the complexity gained at this price point. One of the great California Rose wines I have had this year, the 2020 Tablas Creek ‘Dianthus’ Rose (OB, 92) is dense and chewy with awesome range and a seriously good texture. This is a Rose to buy by the case. Learn more about these outstanding wines at https://tablascreek.com Here are the outstanding new wines by Tablas Creek.
2020 Tablas Creek ‘Patelin de Tablas’ Rose- A blend of mainly Grenache (75%) with small parts Mourvedre and Coinoise, this shows off pretty red rose petals alongside damp earth and ripe red fruits with a silky mouthfeel. Enjoy this great value now. Drink 2021-2024- 90
2020 Tablas Creek ‘Dianthus’ Rose- The 2020 ‘Dianthus’ blends 48% Mourvedre with 37%Grenache and the remainder Counoise. Weighing in at 14% alcohol, this shows off ripe red currants alongside wet stone, blood orange zest and shades of red cherry Starburst candy on the nose. The palate is plush and beautifully textured with great weight and minerality. Intense strawberry and cranberry flavors mingle with minerals, smoke and a great saline streak on the palate. Beautiful now, this has another seven years to go. Drink 2021-2028- 92
2020 Tablas Creek Vermentino- The 2020 Vermentino by Tablas Creek shows off green bell pepper with gooseberry and wet stone on the nose. The palate is fresh, vibrant and beautifully textured. Wet stone and vanilla cream combine with green papaya, mango, and Gravenstein apple with cantaloupe undertones. Complex and delicious, this vibrant and rich wine will entice for another seven years but I would suggest enjoying young while the great vein of tension runs through. Drink 2021-2026- 93
2019 Tablas Creek Roussanne- The 2019 Rousanne by Tablas Creek shows off a downright incredible bouquet with honeysuckle alongside ripe melon tones and wet stone that all sing in unison. The palate is soft and seamless with a silky texture and incredible length. Vanilla cream, wet stone, honeydew melon and pink grapefruit oil all impress on the palate. This has a long way to go. Drink 2021-2033- 94
2019 Tablas Creek ‘Patelin de Tablas’ Red Wine- A blend of Syrah, Grenache, Mourvedre, and Counoise, this shows a dusting of white pepper with smoked brisket and ripe red currants on the palate. Soft and round on the mouth, with plenty of tart red fruits, enjoy over the next five to seven years.Drink 2021-2027- 90
2019 Tablas Creek ‘Cotes de Tablas’ Red Wine- The 2019 ‘Cotes de Tablas’ blends 44% Grenache with 30% Syrah and smaller parts Counoise and Mourvedre. The wine is all about balance with plenty of finesse and a great combination of red and dark fruits. White pepper dusted bacon, wild mushroom and fresh sage all marvelously combine on the palate. Beautiful now, this will cellar well over the next decade. Drink 2021-2031- 92