One of the finest producers of Rhone varietals in Paso Robles, Tablas Creek began as an iconic partnership between Chateau Beaucastel and Robert Haas, owner of their United States importer, Vineyard Brands. I won’t forget my 2020 tasting with Haas over Zoom, tasting through a range of their spectacular ‘Espirit de Tablas.’ These wines can age well over fifteen years!
The Tablas Creek Vineyard began when Jean-Pierre and François Perrin and Robert Haas purchased 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 in 1994 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. Today Jason Haas, Robert’s son, runs Tablas Creek operations. Jason spent a four-year stint managing a tech company in Washington, DC before moving to Paso Robles to join Tablas Creek in April of 2002. As General Manager of Tablas Creek since 2006, he oversees the business, winemaking, and sales and marketing operations.
I loved the new 2022 Tablas Creek ‘Dianthus’ Rose (OB, 94) which is deep and beautifully textured stuff, with serious weight. Even better is the world-class 2021 Tablas Creek ‘Espirit Blanc de Tablas’ White Wine (OB, 96) which is amongst the finest Rhone inspired wines that you will taste in North America. The flavor complexity is just gorgeous here. Learn more about these outstanding wines at https://tablascreek.com Here are the outstanding new wines by Tablas Creek.
2022 Tablas Creek ‘Patelin de Tablas’ Rose- The 2022 ‘Patelin de Tablas’ combines nearly all Grenache (67%) with the remainder Mourvèdre, Counoise and Vermentino. This comes off very fresh and polished on the palate, with a soft texture and copious minerals. Drink 2023-2029- 91
2022 Tablas Creek ‘Dianthus’ Rose- Always one of the great Rose wines made in North America, this incredible 2022 edition combines mainly Mourvèdre and Grenache with a large portion of Counoise (16%) and a touch of Cinsault. Very deep and concentrated, yet showing a beautiful underlying finesse, this shows beautiful flavor complexity and flavor density. Ripe Yakima cherry flavors collide with wild mushroom, cinnamon sticks, watermelon and shades of Mandarin orange rind. A total show-stopper, this beauty will easily live on for another eight years. Drink 2023-2031- 94
2022 Tablas Creek ‘Patelin de Tablas Blanc’ White Wine- The serious value 2022 ‘Patelin de Tablas Blanc’ combines Grenache Blanc (49%) with smaller parts Viognier, Marsanne, Vermentino Roussanne, Picpoul and Bourboulenc. It shows off its polished texture with fantastic weight considering the price. This packs a serious punch with ripe orchard fruits and nutty undertones. Enojoy this beauty now at a slightly warmer temperature. Drink 2023-2029- 91
2021 Tablas Creek ‘Espirit Blanc de Tablas’ White Wine- The world-class 2021 Tablas Creek ‘Espirit Blanc de Tablas’ White Wine combines 70% Roussanne with 17% Picpoul and the remainder Grenache Blanc, Bourboulenc and Clairette. This new edition will easily go head to head with some of the finest examples of Chateauneuf Blanc. Seamless throughout the drinking experience this shows off a pillowy texture, yielding layers of cantaloupe, salted Macadamia nut, lychee and shades of white rose water. This shows a beautiful combination of stuffing and underlying finesse, as the 2021 ‘Espirit Blanc de Tablas’ really needs 30-40 minutes of air prior to consuming now. Don’t serve too cold! Drink 2023-2037- 96
2021 Tablas Creek ‘Cotes de Tablas’ Red Wine- The 2021 ‘Cotes de Tablas’ Combines mostly Grenache (47%) and Syrah (30%) with the remainder Counoise and Mourvèdre. Smoky and savory on the nose this shows a brilliant core of red fruits that mingle with stony undertones. The palate is fleshy and soft with a great underlying acidity. Layers of tart red fruits combine with wet stone, blood orange zest and shades of cardamom on the palate. Drink 2023-2031- 92
2021 Tablas Creek Grenache- This is lithe, concentrated and downright delicious Grenache form the 2021 vintage. Red currants, red rose water and citrus rind with stony accents all dominant the nose. The palate is plush and polished with a seamless texture. Bright and lithe, this is delicious, red fruit-driven Grenache that is best enjoyed now and over the next eight plus years. Drink 2023-2031- 93