Synopsis, Our Opinion: Another FANTASTIC Tablas Creek Rhone red that includes all the virtues of the Southern California sunshine.
Producer/Winery: Tablas Creek vineyard; Paso Robles, California.
Grape Variety: Southern Rhone blend – 40% Mourvedre, 40% Syrah, 27% Grenache and 5% Counoise.
Geographic Appellation: Paso Robles; Central Coast California.
Vintage: 2009
Price: $48
Purchased From: Tablas Creek Vineyard tasting room; Paso Robles, California.
Paired With: Venison meatloaf roulade with spinach ricotta filling; salt potatoes with melted butter and peas.
Tasting:
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Opened one hour before drinking. Clear (but almost opaque), dark purple/ruby color with a lighter purple rim. Little or no aromas the first pour, but considerably more on the later pours. Aromas consisting of raspberry, cherry and a background of virile damp earth that reminded me of digging for earthworms in the compost pile as a child. Than get ready…EXPLOSIVE flavors of dark ripe fruit (raspberry, current and blackberry), expressive dusty mineral that really gives the wine character and just a smidgen of chocolate. It had a smooth, bright and lively mouth-feel that for a second I thought was creamy and a fine grained texture. A little before mid-palate the mineral became more dominant and the round, but very prominent grippy tannins carry it through and beyond a long, dry, peppery finish. Although the bouquet was not paramount the taste really came alive with robust flavors and perfectly balanced acidity, fruit flavors and tannins. Excellent paired with the dinner and an exquisite delight sipping after the meal. As good as it was from the first sip, the aromas and flavors grew more intense with every pour. Another FANTASTIC Tablas Creek Rhone red that includes all the virtues of the Southern California sunshine. This was our only bottle, but I wish we had a cellar full!!!
Photo from Tablas Creek Vineyard.
Alcohol Content: 14.5%
Closure: Natural cork.
UPC Code: 0 89419 24597 4
Imported by: NA