2012 Tablas Creek Panoplie
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The top wine of the estate and the least impressive Panoplie I've tasted, the 2012 Panoplie (70% Mourvedre, 20% Grenache and 10% Syrah) offers a darker slant to its blueberry, blackberry, wet stone, underbrush and crushed-rock aromas and flavors. Full-bodied, supple, fresh and lively, without the normal back-end depth or concentration that's normally found in this cuvee, it's still beautifully balanced, has good richness and texture, plus a great finish. Aged 21 months in 65% neutral foudre, it will drink well for another decade.
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Antonio Galloni, Vinous
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
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A rich, ample wine, the 2012 Panoplie is also a great example of the year. Here the fruit is sweet and textured to the core, yet there is plenty of underlying energy in support. The textured, explosive finish is a thing of beauty. I expect the 2012 to be compelling pretty much upon release. Actually, it already is.
(70% mourvedre, 20% grenache and 10% syrah): Bright violet color. Presents a heady, expansive bouquet of black and blue fruit preserves, incense and smoky Indian spices. Smooth, seamless and deeply pitched blueberry and cherry-cola flavors are complicated by notes of licorice and allspice, with a floral pastille note creeping out on the back half. Really stains the palate, finishing with superb clarity and length and velvety, harmonious tannins.
Tablas Creek's 2012 Panoplie (from barrel) is a wine of tremendous potential. Deceptively medium in body, the 2012 boasts superb richness, power and depth, all while maintaining a gracious, utterly striking personality. Hints of tobacco, game, smoke, licorice and incense are all woven together beautifully. This is going to be a fascinating wine to follow.