2004 Tablas Creek Esprit de Beaucastel
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Tablas Creek's 2004 Esprit de Beaucastel is now fully mature. The 2004 is an especially ripe, silky Esprit with plenty of complexity to match its racy, super-super-ripe personality. It's hard to see the 2004 improving much from here, but it is beautiful today.
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Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
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Similar to the Cote du Tablas, the 2004 Tablas Creek Esprit de Beaucastel is a dead ringer for a classy Chateauneuf and shows stunning aromatics. Earth, leather, game and garrigue notes are supported by pure raspberry and blackberry fruit aromas. Medium bodied with ripe fruit, impressive structure and a tannic, long finish.
None of the previous wines can compare with the 2004 Esprit de Beaucastel, a blend of 50% Mourvedre, 27% Syrah, 17% Grenache, and 6% Counoise. This is a beautifully complex effort (3,500 cases produced) displaying a dense ruby/purple color as well as a sumptuous perfume of earthy black cherries and cassis intermixed with new saddle leather, roasted meat, and Provencal herbs. With great intensity, medium to full body, and silky tannin, it tastes like a top-notch southern Rhone. This broadly-flavored red should age well for at least a decade. Tel. 805-237-1231; Fax 805-237-1314
(50% mourvedre, 27% syrah, 17% grenache and 6% counoise) Bright, deep ruby-red. Enticing aromas of black raspberry, plum, chocolate, flint and licorice. Juicy, chewy and packed with sappy flavors of red fruits, red licorice and minerals. Lovely framing acids. Dense, sweet and very long wine, finishing with firm tannic backbone.