Tablas Creek 2011 Esprit de Tablas
A consistent tone or currant with moments of tart cherry. It’s a good nose. Smells smooth. This Rhône blend brings 40% Mourvedre, 30% Grenache, 20% Syrah and 10% Counoise together in one show. This is no small show mind you. It feels like quite the performance even before it hits your palate. It’s like a kids production and you can hear all of them shuffling around behind the curtains. You know there are all sorts of costumes and movement afoot but the curtain is still up. Who doesn’t love a nose to spark a little excitement.
Once the show starts, its not drums and trumpets but more of a mellow romantic comedy. The main characters are in love and that is the story. Concentric harmony. Fireplace crackling. Not too big nor striving for a large diverse structure. Comfort and relaxation. I love the idea but tough price point for a me. I wish I could afford a bottle or two.
Reail: $55
K&S Rating: 4 of 6
Winemaker Notes: “The nose shows exuberant freshness, with Mourvedre’s signature currant, black tea and roasted meat aromas, given lift by a tangy, winey note showing rosemary and mineral. The mouth is long, fine and balanced, lusher than the nose suggests, with flavors of licorice, spice, meat drippings and clove, mid-weight now (relatively soon after bottling) but with every expectation of deepening over coming months. We recommend that you hold the 2011 Esprit for a few months, then drink either between 2014 and 2016 or 2020-2040.”