2016 Tablas Creek Esprit de Tablas

The 2016 Esprit de Tablas is a blend of 46% Mourvèdre, 31% Syrah, 18% Grenache and 5% Counoise—winemaker Neil Collins says there's more Grenache than usual in the blend this vintage. Pale to medium ruby, it has a pretty nose of desiccated roses, fresh blueberries, black and red cherries, loamy earth, sage brush, tobacco leaves and charcuterie. It's light to medium-bodied with intense, earthy fruits, a firm frame and good juiciness on the long, spiced finish. 3,225 cases produced.

Violets, rose petals, fresh blueberries, crushed stones, oyster shell and dried spices. Full-bodied with a tangy core of berry fruit, firm and structured tannins and a spicy finish. Drink in 2020.

Just bottled last week, the 2016 Esprit de Tablas is an age-worthy blend of 46% Mourvèdre, 31% Syrah, 18% Grenache, and the rest Counoise that was brought up all in foudre. It offers perfumed notes of raspberries, cherries, leafy herbs, and hints of violets. With medium to full body, a seamless texture, and beautiful purity of fruit, it has a forward, fresh, accessible style yet will benefit from 2-3 years of bottle age and cruise for a decade after that. This was another terrific tasting with Jason Haas, and he and his team at Tablas Creek continue to make elegant, classic, balanced wines from their estate in the northwestern part of Paso Robles. It’s worth noting that since 2008 they’ve favored cooler temperatures during fermentation and this shows in their wines’ purity and freshness. However, in my opinion, the wines today lack some of the depth and intensity found in previous vintages. Nevertheless, these are beautiful wine that age incredibly well.