TABLAS CREEK VINEYARD
PASO ROBLES, CALIFORNIA 2020
If, like us, you think California has more to offer than just Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay, you can thank the Rhône Rangers.
Influenced by the pioneering work of Randall Grahm — the original Rhône Ranger, in the puckish words of Wine Spectator — an intrepid and spirited generation of Left Coast producers rose up in the late '80s, all of them committed to showcasing the depth, elegance, and subtle, soulful spice of Rhône Valley varietals.
None was more ambitious, perhaps, than Tablas Creek, which brought together the Perrin family of Château de Beaucastel and the Haas family of Vineyard Brands.
What drew these superstar families to a 120-acre tract of land in a region, Paso Robles, that few in the wine world had ever heard of?
The limestone soils and temperate, Mediterranean-like climate of the Sierra foothills, whose optimal terroir turned out to be uncannily identical to that of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, from which the Perrin family hails (and from which Tablas still sources some of its grapes).
We love the blend of Old World elegance and New World vividness we find in the best of their wines, and are so thrilled to be able to bring you three from their superlative portfolio: their 96-point Esprit de Tablas Rouge 2020; 96-point Esprit de Tablas Blanc 2020; and their 94-point Patelin de Tablas Rouge 2021
Esprit de Tablas Rouge is their flagship red blend, its grapes, wrote Wine Enthusiast, "chosen from the best lots of six estate-grown varieties propagated from budwood cuttings from the Château de Beaucastel estate." Mourvèdre predominates, with Grenache, Syrah, Counoise, Vaccarese, and Cinsaut for complexity, spice, minerality, and softness. Critical acclaim for the 2020 vintage was resounding. Dr. Owen Bargreen named it the #32 wine of 2022, declaring it "seamless and intense" and "utterly fabulous," while Wine Enthusiast called it "grippy in texture and generous in flavors."
The 2020 Esprit de Tablas Blanc is another richly complex blend, in this case, primarily, of Roussanne and Grenache Blanc, with Picpoul, Bourboulenc, Clairette Blanche, and Picardin for rounding and depth. The Wine Advocate praised its "broad and satiny palate," "juicy acidity," and "very long finish." Fewer than 2,000 cases were produced, and we are very, very happy to have scored a few of them.
Last but by no means least is the Patelin de Tablas Rouge 2021, which Wine Enthusiast hailed as an "easy-to-enjoy yet complex blend" — of Syrah, Grenache, Mourvèdre, and Counoise — that "only gets more delicious and thought-provoking each vintage."
Just as the wines of Tablas only get better the longer you age them.
Folks, we're able to extend special Concierge Family pricing for the next week, but hurry to lock in your bottles or cases now and ensure yourself many hours of rarefied pleasure in the near and distant future!
*Offer NOT valid in-store. This offer is made pre-arrival, with wines estimated to be delivered to your preferred store in Summer 2023. With the supply chain issues that we are seeing globally, there may be some unforeseen delays which could affect the ETA. All sale prices are the lowest available at Total Wine & More and ONLY valid through Concierge Sales. No further discounts or coupons may be applied. Offer not valid in MI, NV, NY, or TN. This offer is for ONE WEEK, or until sold out, and will expire on Sunday, March 12th, 2023.
*Due to limited storage space for pre-ordered product, we can only hold orders for 30 days from the first notification that your order is ready for pickup. If you are unable to pick up your order within 30 days, please contact Concierge Sales at (855) 841-2752 or conciergesales@totalwine.com to make an arrangement. A store associate may reach out periodically to notify you of your order. Unfortunately, if no arrangements have been made, after 30 days, the order will need to be cancelled and we will provide a full refund. No orders will be cancelled without multiple communication attempts.