Tablas Creek 2017 Esprit de Tablas

At americanwine.club, we’re excited to offer the 2017 Esprit de Tablas from Tablas Creek Vineyard. This flagship red blend comes from the winery’s biodynamic and organic estate in the Adelaida District of Paso Robles. Its roots trace directly to the Rhône Valley, as all vines descend from cuttings from Château de Beaucastel—an iconic partnership that shaped the American Rhône movement.

The growing season in 2017 started with record winter rainfall. This gave the vines ample water and vigor heading into spring. While most of the summer remained cool, two heatwaves near harvest added intensity and depth to the fruit. As a result, the grapes ripened evenly with superb balance and structure.

The final blend includes 40% Mourvèdre, 35% Grenache, 20% Syrah, and 5% Counoise. Each varietal fermented separately with native yeasts in a mix of upright wooden tanks, open-top fermenters, and stainless steel. After fermentation, the wine matured in 1,200-gallon French oak foudres for one year. This hands-on approach reflects the estate’s dedication to precision and purity.

The wine opens with aromas of wild red currant, mocha, smoked meat, and juniper. On the palate, you’ll find dark cherry, plum skin, roasted herbs, and licorice. A crushed-rock texture and bright acidity keep everything in harmony. Polished tannins support a long and layered finish.

Accolades: 95 pts Falstaff, 94 pts Wine Advocate, 94 pts Wine Enthusiast (Cellar Selection). These scores reflect the vintage’s outstanding quality.

Enjoy it with lamb shank, grilled duck, cassoulet, or short ribs. Decant for 30–60 minutes and serve at 16–18 °C. Whether you cellar it or serve it now, this is a wine that tells a story worth savoring.