Tablas Creek Esprit de Beaucastel Rouge 2004
Rhone Red Blends
from Central Coast, California
winemaker's notes:
50% Mourvèdre, 27% Syrah, 17% Grenache, 6% Counoise
The 2004 Esprit de Beaucastel is dark black-red in color, with a rich briary nose of dark red fruit (plum and currant), sweet spices (nutmeg, clove) and mocha. The elegant, layered palate shows spicy plum and cherry fruit, smoky, meaty flavors, and ripe tannins. The long finish reveals mineral and black cherry. The wine is showing remarkably well now, but should evolve elegantly in bottle for 10-15 years or longer.
Food pairings: Game, dark fowl (i.e. duck), richly flavored stews, lamb, Asian preparations of red meats (i.e. beef stir fry).
"2004 Esprit de Beaucastel is a beautifully complex effort (3,500 cases produced) displaying a dense ruby/purple color as well as a sumptuous perfume of earthy black cherries and cassis intermixed with new saddle leather, roasted meat, and Provençal herbs. With great intensity, medium to full body, and silky tannin, it tastes like top-notch southern Rhône. This broadly flavored red should age well for at least a decade." 92 Points
Wine Advocate
August 31, 2007
