Winemaker Notes
A serious nose of pipe tobacco, both red and black currant, licorice, and a little minty lift. The mouth is on point with flavors of black raspberry, mint chocolate, meat drippings, and loamy earth. Deep and full but structured as well, with fine- grained tannins and a finish of sweet spice and dark red fruit.
Blend: 40% Mourvedre, 28% Grenache, 22% Syrah, 4% Vaccarese, 3% Counoise, 3% Cinsaut
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2022 Esprit de Tablas is 40% Mourvèdre, 28% Grenache, 22% Syrah, 4% Vaccarese, 3% Counoise and 3% Cinsaut. The energetic nose displays classic aromas of decadent dark fruits, new leather, fresh herbs and bright spices within a refined, graceful package. The palate strikes a delicious balance between sumptuous, ample concentration and palpable precision, remaining tight and focused without ever approaching austerity. The finish is impressively long and multidimensional, with a beautiful balance of tight, fine tannins and very bright, clean, energetic acidity. This feels gently guided and meticulously crafted rather than polished and uniform, and I am eager to follow its development.
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Vinous
The 2022 Esprit de Tablas has mellowed in an enticing way, delivering a perfumed bouquet of roses, geraniums, wet slate and dried black cherries. Cooling acidity and inner violet florals impart a graceful character as a wave of tart wild berry and blackberry fruits slowly saturates. This enshrouds the palate in fine-grained tannins and wild blueberries as it finishes with excellent length and a gentle inner sweetness. The 2022 is a darling with both upfront appeal and cellar potential.
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Wine Spectator
A tightly focused version, with richly textured violet and pepper accents to the brambly raspberry core. Gets a nice lift of acidity as this finishes around firming tannins and baking spice details. Mourvedre, Grenache, Syrah, Vaccarese, Cinsaut and Counoise. Drink now through 2030. 2,925 cases made.
With bold fruit flavors and accents of sweet spice, Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre form the base of the classic Rhône Red Blend, while Carignan, Cinsault and Counoise often come in to play. Though they originated from France’s southern Rhône Valley, with some creative interpretation, Rhône blends have also become popular in other countries. Somm Secret—Putting their own local spin on the Rhône Red Blend, those from Priorat often include Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. In California, it is not uncommon to see Petite Sirah make an appearance.
