Tablas Creek Esprit de Beaucastel Rhone Blend 2008
Rober Parker, Jr.-The Wine Advocate: Rated as An outstanding wine of exceptional complexity and character. “The 2008 Esprit de Beaucastel flows with sweet dark cherries, flowers, tobacco and spices. It is a beautiful, classically built wine graced with striking inner perfume, lovely mid-palate juiciness and a round, utterly harmonious finish. Well-integrated, silky tannins linger on the close. This is a fabulous wine from Tablas Creek. My sense is that the wine should be tasted upon release and then again only after a number of years in bottle. In 2008 the blend is 38% Mourvedre, 30% Grenache, 26% Syrah and 6% Counoise. Anticipated maturity: 2018-2028.
Tablas Creek was founded as a partnership between Chateau de Beaucastel in Chateauneuf-du-Pape and Robert Haas, owner of Beaucastel’s US importer, Vineyard Brands. Tablas Creek is one of the pioneers for Rhone varieties in Paso Robles, not just for the quality of the wines, but just as importantly for creating a nursery of clones from Beaucastel cuttings that are now used widely throughout the region. The estate currently has about 105 acres under vine. Tablas Creek works with indigenous yeasts and favors large, neutral oak barrels and casks for aging. The wines are striking. Readers will find a broad range of compelling bottles across all price ranges." Aug 2011 Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar: Rated as Outstanding. "Bright red. Enticing aromas of raspberry, potpourri, licorice and fresh herbs. Lush, broad and sweet but structured, with an exotic candied fruit quality giving this dense, well-constituted wine plenty of early sex appeal. Finishes sweet and spicy, with a fine dusting of tannins and outstanding length. This is already delicious but has the balance to age." Nov/Dec 2010 Winery: "The 2008 Esprit de Beaucastel shows a deep, spicy nose with waves of fruit alternating between red and black raspberry and cherry, grilled meat, balsamic, and licorice. The palate shows raspberry, currant and black cherry fruit highlighted by beautiful acidity, an appealing mintiness, and substantial but fine-grained tannins. The wine is remarkably approachable despite its youth, and we think it will only get better. Enjoy over the next two decades." Wired For Wine: To drink or cellar? That will be your quandary over this stunning Tablas Creek Esprit de Beaucastel Rhone blend. From the sister winery to Château de Beaucastel in France, this beautifully structured wine is ready for pouring now, but has the amazing potential to age and develop for another couple of decades. If you can't wait a moment longer, decant it while you prepare a platter of tender pork loin slices with apricot sauce spiced with cumin and shallots. The fine tannins, beautiful acidity, floral notes, lush dark fruit, earthiness and lovely assortment of spice flavors give this irresistible California red blend the ability to pair well with meats, lamb and duck in particular, rich stews and even beef stir fry. A classic boeuf Provencal will envelop you in its savory sauce, and highlight everything about this Tablas Creek. A duck cassoulet is another great choice. If you're doing a big meal, roast lamb with tomato and olives and a choice of aoili or fresh mint chutney will bring the house down. While the eating is going on, be sure to have another bottle breathing in the decanter so that you can offer refills with a room temperature earthy brie cheese afterwards. Who knows what it might do for your Esprit de corps??
Size: 750ml, cork |
One unbeatable deal each day until it sells out!! |
| Free Shipping Offer | Best Price Guarantee |
connect
