Saturday, February 28, 2009

Tablas Creek Esprit de Beaucastel Blanc 2004

The wine world isn't exposed to too many white Rhone wines, whether they be from the Rhone itself or from the central Coast of California, which is also producing some very interesting Rhone-style blends. Tablas Creek, being Chateau Beaucastel's dip into California has seen some good press over their red CDP-style blends, but in my opinion it is, very much like Beaucastel itself, the white blend that really stands out.


Here there is an incredibly subtle and complex nose of honey comb, violets, kiwi and other richer fruits. The palate is dry and tart and, unlike many Roussane blends, is not over round or puffed up. This means that the acidity carries the wine through its development in an extremely well-tempered way. The very respectful and elegant mid-palate and finish have a clarity and articulation that is not all that common in these kinds of wines. Very likely one of the best Rhone white blends from California.

Excellent
$34 at K&L

2 comments:

SLAKED! said...

Great review. Everyone seems to be talking these days about these Tablas Creek wines from calcerous soils west of Paso Robles. I'll be on the lookout for this.

Shea said...

Thanks - I really think the rhone white varietals from the central coast have a lot of potential.