Tablas Creek Esprit de Beaucastel Rouge 2005

44% Mourvèdre, 26% Grenache, 25% Syrah, 5% Counoise

The 2005 Esprit de Beaucastel is dark black-red in color, with a rich briary nose of black cherry, plum and rare steak, overlaid with sweet spices and mocha. The elegant, layered palate shows explosive fruit, with smoky and meaty flavors. Ripe tannins provide structure. The long finish reveals mineral and black cherry notes.

The wine is showing remarkably well now, but should evolve elegantly in bottle for 10-15 years or longer.

"Its dense ruby/purple hue is accompanied by a beautiful perfume of road tar, camphor, meat, Provençal herbs, blackberries, cassis, cherries, licorice, and pepper. This Beaucastel-like beauty boasts full body, excellent tannin and structure as well as good accessibility. Enjoy it over the next decade." 92 Points
Wine Advocate
June 30, 2008

"Medium gold. Powerful, exotic aromas suggest honeyed apple and peach, with a suave vanilla component building with air. Round and vaguely sweet orchard fruit flavors are snapped into shape by brisk minerality, which carries into the finish. Suave, deeply flavored and impressively persistent, with the concentration and balance to repay a few years in the cellar." 91 Points
International Wine Cellar
November 15, 2007