Tablas Creek Esprit de Tablas Rhone Blend, Red Paso Robles 2018 1.5l

Indulge in the extraordinary depth and character of Tablas Creek Vineyard's 2018 Esprit de Tablas in an impressive 1.5L format—a flagship Rhône-style blend that eloquently expresses the distinctive terroir of Paso Robles' acclaimed Adelaida District.

This magnificent red blend draws its soul from the limestone-rich soils of Tablas Creek's organic and biodynamic estate vineyard. Situated just 12 miles from the Pacific Ocean, the vineyard benefits from dramatic diurnal temperature shifts—warm, sun-drenched days followed by cool marine-influenced nights that can drop 40-50 degrees. This climate tension preserves crucial acidity while allowing for perfect phenolic ripeness, creating a wine of remarkable balance and complexity.

The Esprit de Tablas showcases a thoughtfully composed blend of Mourvèdre (40%), Grenache (25%), Syrah (21%), and Counoise (14%)—each variety contributing distinct elements shaped by specific vineyard blocks. The calcareous clay soils impart a profound mineral backbone and structural integrity that distinguishes this wine from other California Rhône blends.

On the nose, experience an intriguing bouquet of blackberry and boysenberry fruits—a direct reflection of the sun-bathed slopes—complemented by subtle notes of smoked meat and spice derived from the Mourvèdre grown in the estate's most mineral-intensive parcels. The palate reveals a seamless tapestry of dark red fruits, leather, and wild herbs, with the region's limestone influence expressing itself through a compelling saline minerality that carries through the lengthy finish.

The 2018 vintage in Paso Robles provided ideal growing conditions: a cool spring followed by moderate summer temperatures allowed for extended hang time, developing extraordinary flavor complexity while maintaining vibrant acidity. The resulting wine shows remarkable freshness balanced with the concentration and depth that has become Tablas Creek's signature.

Following traditional methods inspired by Château de Beaucastel (their renowned Rhône Valley partner), the Haas family ferments each variety separately using native yeasts before aging in French oak foudres. This meticulous approach preserves the pure expression of their estate fruit while allowing for gentle maturation that integrates the blend's components without overwhelming them with oak influence.

The generous 1.5L magnum format is particularly coveted for this wine, as it ensures a slower, more graceful aging trajectory—perfect for collectors or those planning special gatherings. While already showing remarkable harmony, this Esprit will continue to evolve beautifully over the next decade and beyond.

Whether paired with herb-crusted lamb, wild mushroom dishes, or simply savored on its own, the 2018 Esprit de Tablas offers a transcendent drinking experience that captures the essence of Paso Robles' unique convergence of Mediterranean climate, ancient seabed soils, and thoughtful biodynamic farming. This is more than a wine—it's a liquid landscape that tells the story of a special place through the language of taste.