Adhering to the tradition of its parent winery — the Perrin family’s Chateau de Beaucastel in the southern Rhône Valley — Tablas Creek specializes in Rhône-variety blends (although it also produces small amounts of admirable, single-variety wines). Esprit is its flagship red blend, and the 2010 vintage delivers a fragrant, spicy and supple cohesion of Mourvedre, Grenache, Syrah and Counoise. Dark red and black fruits prevail on the palate, enhanced by pleasant earth, black spice and cola elements. It’s a superb balance of ripe fruit, smooth tannins, depth and refreshing acidity.
Tablas Creek Vineyard, Paso Robles (California) 2010
By Linda Murphy