2019 Esprit de Beaucastel Rouge

A blend of 39% Mourvèdre, 30% Grenache, 21% Syrah and 10% Counoise, the 2019 Esprit de Tablas has a pale ruby color and aromas of wild red and black berries, citrus peel, dusty earth and dried flowers. The palate is earthy and gently rustic in texture, with a juicy, mushroom-laced finish. 3,650 cases were produced.

A delightful nose of crushed rose petals, red cherries and rosemary. Full-bodied with fine, well-integrated tannins and dense fruit character. Layered and balanced with a steely, mineral-like backbone. Dried herbs and cocoa come through. Great length. Drink now or hold.

Deep, vivid ruby. Smoke- and spice-accented cherry cola, dark berry and lavender aromas show fine clarity, and licorice and succulent herb notes emerge with aeration. Gently sweet and broad in the mouth, offering appealingly sweet blackberry, cherry preserve, mocha and floral pastille flavors that tighten up through the midpalate. Gently gripping tannins sneak in slowly on an impressively long finish that strongly repeats the spice and floral notes. (JR)