Winemaker Notes
There is a warmth and invitation to the nose that is a signature of Mourvèdre, with notes of currant reduction, sarsaparilla, sun-warmed chaparral, and new leather. The mouth is both deep and well-delineated, with flavors of plum compote, salty brown butter, dates, bay, licorice, and cola. The tannins are cloaked in fruit and the finish vibrant and fresh.
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
Savory, well-spiced and meaty, showing plums and warm figs, sanguine flavors and black licorice. Outstanding posture and length with harmony between the scorched earth and blackberries, cherry pits and cured olives. Best after 2028 and for the next several decades.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The blend of the 2023 Esprit de Tablas is 33% Mourvèdre, 31% Syrah, 26% Grenache, 6% Cinsaut, 2% Vaccarese and 2% Counoise, representing the closest percentage of the three main varieties in the cuvée's history. Poised and compelling from the outset, the nose seamlessly melds red and black fruits, fresh herbs and purple flower aromas with an underlying earth-tinged, petrichor quality. The palate is similarly multidimensional, dynamically delivering a suave yet snappy profile with juicy, mouthwatering acidity and palpable minerality that carries through the savory, refined finish. This is a reference point for the region and should enjoy a solid 15 years in the cellar.
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Wilfred Wong of Wine.com
The 2023 Tablas Creek Vineyard ESPRIT DE TABLAS delivers a medium to deep ruby color, opening with refined aromas of dried earth and cassis; full-bodied and commanding on the palate, it shows impressive depth and structure, carrying its rich, layered flavors through to a long, satisfying finish. Pair it with a slow-braised lamb shank with rosemary and garlic or a grilled ribeye crusted in cracked black pepper—the wine’s earthy depth and cassis richness lock seamlessly with the savory intensity of the dish, creating a harmonious, deeply satisfying experience. (Tasted: March 8, 2026, San Francisco, CA)
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Wine Spectator
A tightly coiled red, offering an iron-tinged spine, with loam and spice accents to the fleshy black plum and blackberry core, which takes on anise details. Finishes with broad, structured tannins. Mourvèdre, Syrah, Grenache, Cinsaut, Counoise and Vaccarèse. Best after 2026.
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.
RGL0323137_2023 Item# 4122006