Tablas Creek 2015 Côtes de Tablas

The 2015 Côtes de Tablas from Tablas Creek Vineyard is a concentrated and aromatic estate red blend from the Adelaida District of Paso Robles. Grown on certified organic limestone-rich soils, this four-variety Rhône blend reflects one of the most challenging and ultimately rewarding vintages in the estate’s history. With only 1,450 cases produced, it is among the most limited Côtes de Tablas releases in over a decade.

A Grenache-Led Blend with Serious Depth

Tablas Creek builds this Paso Robles Rhône blend around Grenache’s characteristic generous fruit and refreshing acidity. The 2015 vintage combines 39% Grenache, 35% Syrah, 16% Counoise, and 10% Mourvèdre. Syrah adds spice, mineral character, and back-palate structure. Counoise contributes briary wildness and lift. Mourvèdre, meanwhile, anchors the blend with savory depth and firm tannins. Notably, the unusually high Syrah percentage for this label adds a distinctive dark, meaty edge to the wine’s Grenache-led core.

A Drought Vintage That Delivered Against the Odds

The 2015 vintage was the fourth consecutive drought year at Tablas Creek. Cool, unsettled weather during May’s flowering dramatically reduced yields, down as much as 50% in early-ripening grapes like Syrah. Months alternated between significantly cooler and warmer than normal. Consequently, harvest started early but required multiple passes through most vineyard blocks over a long, drawn-out picking season. Syrah came in between September 9th and October 5th, Grenache between September 10th and October 8th, Counoise between September 26th and October 14th, and Mourvèdre between September 23rd and October 15th. The extended hang-time produced a vintage with exceptional concentration, unusually good acidity, and wines of dramatic aroma, texture, and intensity.

Crafted with Patience and Minimal Intervention

All four varieties fermented with native yeasts in a mix of stainless steel and wooden upright fermenters. After pressing, the wines were racked, blended, and aged for a full year in 1,200-gallon French oak foudres before bottling in February 2017. The wine is unfined and underwent only a light filtration before release. As a result, it retains the full texture and character of the vintage.

Tasting Notes: Spicy, Rich, and Remarkably Complex

On the nose, the 2015 Côtes de Tablas opens with a spicy, Grenache-led profile: wild strawberry, mint, fresh figs, and an intriguing undertone of chorizo-like meatiness. In the mouth, lifted fruit balances beautifully with richness, evoking strawberry shortcake. Then complicating flavors of Mexican hot chocolate, cola, and fresh dates emerge with air. The finish is long, layered, and inviting. Drink now and confidently over the next decade.

Strong Critical Recognition

Critics praised the 2015 Côtes de Tablas for its balance, concentration, and aging potential. Vinous awarded 92 points, calling it a graceful wine with the balance to age beautifully. Furthermore, Purely Domestic Wine Report awarded 91 points, highlighting its savory cherry and lavender character. Jeb Dunnuck added 90 points and called it a terrific smart buy. Wine Advocate also scored it 89 to 92 points, describing it as chewy, balanced, and impressive. For a vintage marked by dramatically reduced yields, that consistency of recognition speaks volumes.

Food Pairings and Serving

At the table, the 2015 Côtes de Tablas pairs beautifully with grilled steaks, braised short ribs, rich beef stews, pasta with meat sauces, and spicy sausages. It also works well alongside hearty mushroom dishes and slow-cooked lamb. Serve at 16 to 18 degrees Celsius. Decant for 30 minutes to open up the full aromatic complexity.