Wednesday, March 2, 2022

Tablas Creek Vineyard

When you think about California wine the first wine you come up with would probably be Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley.

However, California is a big state and there are regions specializing in other varieties like Rhone varieties from Paso Robles.




Tablas Creek Vineyard is a winery in Paso Robles AVA.

The winery was founded in 1989 and became a pioneer of the Rhone varieties in California with vine cuttings from Beaucastel planted on the limestone soil.



Not just making good wines, they strongly believe in making wine in the right way.
They have been practicing biodynamic and organic farming, and now are experimenting with dry farming.

California has a Mediterranean climate and there is no precipitation during summers.
It is not an ideal condition for growing vines without irrigation but they plan to expand dry farming believing that to preserve water is their responsibility for a better future.


Even the barrels are biodynamic!




During the Covid pandemic they offer outdoor tastings.


Patelin Rose 2020
Aromas of banana, strawberry and milkshake.
Approachable wine with clean finish.

Vermentino 2020
Passion fruit, tarragon and lime zest. Wine with high acidity and salinity.

Cotes de Tablas Blanc 2020
Viognier, Grenache Blanc, Marsanne, Roussanne.
Lemon, peach and tangerine wrapped in the creamy texture.

Marsanne 2020
Aromas of herbs like thyme and fennel. Texture is oily.

Esprit de Tablas Blanc 2019
Roussanne, Grenache Blanc, Picpoul Blanc, Picardan.
Beautiful aromas of acacia and apple flowers.

Esprit de Tablas Blanc 2017
Interesting aromas of dried grape, coffee, caramel and popcorn.
More fruits on the palate.





Le Complice
Syrah, Grenache, Terret Noir.
Decayed rose petal and fresh and bright strawberry.

Tannat 2018
Beautiful aromas of rose, violet, raspberry, cherry and coffee, braced with high tannin.

En Gobelet 2019 
Grenache, Mourvedre, Syrah, Counoise, Tannat.
High, fine tannin is balanced with freshness of red fruits. Pleasant to drink.

Three vintages of Esprit (Mourvedre, Syrah, Grenache, Counoise)
2019
Red fruits, red flower and blueberry. Tannin is a little harsh.

2017
Tannin is high but balanced with vibrant red fruits, pomegranate and cashew nuts.

2012
Intense aromas of dried red fruits, black plum and cacao beans.
This wine displays concentration of fruits and high, smooth tannin.



What impressed me during this visit was the fact that their reputation had already been established but they showed no sign of slowing down for making things better for both wine and the future of the community.

The wines were of course great, but tasting them with people who were proud of working there made them taste even better.

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