Fruit for Tablas Creek’s Côtes de Tablas white blend derives from their estate vineyards, which are farmed biodynamically and are now Regenerative Organic Certified. The blend in 2021 is 44 percent Viognier, 32 percent Grenache blanc, 14 percent Marsanne, and 10 percent Roussanne. The winery used less Marsanne and Roussanne than in prior years to lean on the acidity of the Grenache blanc. The grapes were whole cluster pressed and fermented with ambient cultures in a mix of stainless steel and wooden foudre.
It’s a solid gold color, darker than the Patelin de Tablas blanc of the same vintage, and the fragrance is more restrained, less fruit-forward. It has a high herbal note mingling with flowers and stone fruit. The texture is velvety, and the wine expands across the palate with flavors of apricot, sultana, and citrus peel. The acidity hits at the deep finish. It’s a lively, balanced wine with character and panache.
2021 Tablas Creek Vineyard Côtes de Tablas Blanc Paso Robles
12.5% ABV | $35 (sample)