2020 Tablas Creek Esprit de Tablas Rouge, California

The 2020 Esprit de Tablas is a barrel-sample blend of 40% Mourvèdre, 30% Grenache, 21% Syrah, 5% Counoise, 3% Vacaresse and 1% Cinsaut—this is the first vintage to include Vacaresse and Cinsault. Medium garnet in color, it has muddled red and black berry aromas with touches of dried earth and woodsmoke. The palate is earthy and very juicy, with a spicy, woodsmoke-laced finish. 3,350 cases are expected to be made.

88-90 points robertparker.com

Tablas Creek Esprit de Tablas Rouge is the estate’s signature red Rhône-style blend, crafted from biodynamically farmed vineyards in the Adelaida District of Paso Robles. Inspired by the wines of Châteauneuf-du-Pape — and made from vine cuttings imported directly from Château de Beaucastel — this wine balances richness, spice and structure with energy and transparency. It is a wine of depth and poise, showing the layered complexity of Rhône grapes grown on limestone soils under the Californian sun.

The blend is Mourvèdre-led, usually around 40 percent, with supporting roles played by Grenache, Syrah and Counoise. Mourvèdre gives backbone, earth and ageability, Grenache adds fruit and generosity, Syrah brings structure and spice, and Counoise lifts the aromatics. Fermentation is with native yeasts in small lots, and the wine is aged for 12 to 18 months in large French oak foudres before blending and bottling without fining or filtration.

In the glass, it opens with aromas of blackberry, red plum, garrigue herbs, pepper, crushed rock and a touch of cured meat. The palate is full bodied and supple, with ripe black and red fruit, licorice, dark chocolate, and savoury spice layered over firm tannins and fresh acidity. It finishes long, dry and mineral, showing both immediate appeal and long-term potential.

Food pairing: excellent with roast lamb, grilled sausages, mushroom and lentil stew, or duck with black olive and thyme. Also a superb match for aged Comté or firm sheep’s milk cheeses.

Cellar potential: built to age 10 to 20 years. Gains depth, earthiness and complexity with time, while retaining its fruit and freshness.