Tablas Creek 2014 Esprit de Tablas

The 2014 Esprit de Tablas from Tablas Creek Vineyard stands as one of the most compelling expressions of Rhône-style winemaking in California. Grown on the certified organic estate in the Adelaida District of Paso Robles, this flagship red blend draws on budwood cuttings imported directly from Château de Beaucastel.

Flagship built on Mourvèdre

Tablas Creek builds the Esprit de Tablas around the depth and richness of Mourvèdre. The 2014 blend brings together 40% Mourvèdre, 35% Grenache, 20% Syrah, and 5% Counoise. Each variety plays a precise role. Mourvèdre delivers dark red fruit, earth, spice, and mid-palate weight. Grenache adds forward fruit, approachability, and lushness. Syrah contributes mineral character, lifted aromatics, and back-palate tannins. Counoise rounds it out with brambly spice and bright acidity.

A Drought Vintage That Delivered

The 2014 vintage was Tablas Creek’s third consecutive drought year and saw the earliest-ever start to the growing season. The summer was warm but free of serious heat spikes. Then, a cool August slowed ripening at a critical moment. When temperatures rose again in September, the fruit came in quickly. Harvest finished in mid-October, roughly two weeks ahead of schedule. The result was a vintage with excellent concentration and good freshness: powerful when young, yet built to age.

Crafted for the Long Term

The team fermented the estate-grown grapes with native yeasts in open and closed stainless steel fermenters. After pressing, the wine moved into barrel, blended, and aged in 1,200-gallon French oak foudres. It was finally bottled in June 2016. This patient approach preserves freshness while building the structure that makes this wine a serious candidate for the cellar.

Tasting Notes: Expressive, Luscious, and Built to Last

On the nose, the 2014 Esprit de Tablas opens with deep aromas of licorice and cherry liqueur. Pink peppercorn and mint lift the profile with spicy elegance. In the mouth, chocolate-covered cherries, a briny sea spray note, and serious tannins create a luscious yet focused impression. On the finish, baker’s chocolate, cherry cola, and a smoky berry element linger beautifully. Drink now through 2040.

Outstanding Critical Recognition

Critics have consistently praised this vintage. BevX awarded a remarkable 98 points, noting it will live for decades. Vinous gave 94 points, highlighting its seamless, elegant style and impressively long finish. The Wine Advocate awarded 93 to 96 points, calling it a full-bodied, sexy, and voluptuous beauty. Furthermore, Purely Domestic Wine Report awarded 93 points and called it really hard to put down. Few Paso Robles reds match that across-the-board acclaim.

Food Pairings and Serving

At the table, the 2014 Esprit de Tablas pairs beautifully with game, duck, lamb, and richly flavored stews. It also works well alongside boeuf provençale, braised short ribs with black olives, and Asian preparations of red meat. Serve at 16 to 18 degrees Celsius and decant generously to allow the full aromatic complexity to unfold.