2016 Esprit de Beaucastel FIRST SHOWING: Deep crystal ruby with wide clear edges. Ben-gay initial blows off to shrill grapefruit mineral and Kalamata. In the mouth, creamy and delicious, deep fruited with subtle tannins. Another age-worthy suspect from one of the Grande Dames of Paso Robles.
Not my favorite wine in their line-but it IS the bling flagship and must be studied every year. I can’t prove it of course, but also feel it has become more ‘user friendly’ in recent vintages. A little rounder, warmer fruit, and less funk and greasy-grimy-shit we love the old-world parent versions for. I much prefer the single variety bottlings over their blends, but I’m weird.
2016 TABLAS CREEK WINERY ‘Esprit de Tablas’ GSM Paso Robles San Luis Obispo County California
