Well, we received some new wines from Tablas Creek Vineyards and, no surprise to us, they’re really  tasty. Longtime readers know we’re big fans; we haven’t encountered anything but really fine wines from this producer since I first met and tasted with General Manager Jason Haas back in 2006, and these three more than keep that streak alive. (Frankly, I’d be surprised to taste something I didn’t like from these folks, because they always have their A Game going.)

This latest batch consisted of two whites and a red, and while we didn’t have them with food, they’re all very food friendly. (Click image to enlarge. Click wine names for tech info and suggested food pairings.)

2014 Tablas Creek Vineyard Paso Robles Côtes de Tablas Blanc, 42% Viognier, 30% Grenache Blanc, 23% Marsanne, 5% Roussanne, 13.5% Alc., $27.00: Medium straw color, with a tinge of yellow; a mineral-driven white with pretty white peach character up front, turning not-quite-bitter on the finish at first, but as it warms and opens with air, turns more and more generous, losing the bitter impression. Good size and weight here, with ample acids and intensity. Like most TC whites, delicious already, but the best is yet to come. 1200 Cases produced. Find this wine

2013 Tablas Creek Vineyard Paso Robles Esprit de Tablas Blanc, 71% Roussanne, 21% Grenache Blanc, 8% Picpoul Blanc, 13.0% Alc., $45.00: Clean, pale gold color; fairly big, rich and dense, but with that superb balance, that unmistakable hallmark of the TC house style. Flavors and aromas of peach and melon shaded with subtle pineapple and mineral. Neither overripe nor austere, this hits that “sweet spot” that Tablas Creek never seems to miss, and like any Esprit de Tablas, white or red, shows great aging potential. Not the best white Esprit I’ve ever had, but certainly a very, very fine one. 2200 Cases produced. Find this wine

2013 Tablas Creek Vineyard Paso Robles Mourvèdre, 100% Mourvedre, 13.5% Alc., $40.00: Clean and dark in color, though not as dark as one might expect from this variety, nor is it the tannic beast that last year’s model was. Showing attractive earthy black plum, berry and currant with a hint o’ rhubarb, not too ripe, not too dry, this is quite approachable with little or no aeration. Yes, it’s structured to age for at least 5, and maybe 10 years, but take one taste, and you might not want to wait. A mighty fine glass of red wine that plays well with food or a good Detroit Red Wings hockey game. 690 Cases produced. Find this wine

Reporting from Day-twah,

Bastardo

Related posts:

1. Three New Beauties from Tablas Creek
2. A Tablas Creek Esprit de Beaucastel Blanc Mini-Vertical
3. A Country Neighborhood Red from Tablas Creek
4. 2007 Tablas Creek Esprit de Beaucastel Rouge
5. More New Wines from Tablas Creek Vineyard

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