The Tablas Creek Vineyard Patelin de Tablas is a blend of four red Rhône varietals: Syrah, Grenache, Mourvèdre and Counoise. The wine incorporates fruit from several of the top Rhône vineyards in Paso Robles, each vineyard selected for its quality. Like many red wines from the Rhône Valley, it is based on the dark fruit, mineral and spice of Syrah, with the brightness and fresh acidity of Grenache, the structure and meatiness of Mourvèdre and a small addition of Counoise for complexity.
A dark, spicy Syrah-driven nose reminiscent of Cornas: teriyaki, black olive, eucalyptus and black plum. On the palate, meaty and juicy, with flavors of soy marinade, black raspberry, wood smoke and white pepper. The long, gently tannic finish lingers with black fruit and spice. Delicious now, but with the substance and balance to age for up to a decade.
Vinous - 90-92 Points
"Vivid ruby-red. Intense, spice- and mineral-tinged red fruit preserve and floral scents show impressive focus and pick up a pungent floral topnote with air. Sweet and seamless on the palate, offering fresh raspberry, cherry and cassis flavors sharpened by a peppery nuance. Smooth tannins lend shape to a long, lively finish that strongly echoes the red fruit and spice notes."