The prodigious 2007 Esprit de Beaucastel Blanc (68% Roussanne, 22% Grenache Blanc, and 10% Picpoul) is one of the finest white Rhone Rangers I have tasted. A beautiful bouquet of orange blossoms, honeysuckle, lemon zest, quince, and white flowers is followed by a full-bodied wine with stunning concentration, layered flavors, and good underlying minerality as well as acidity. This sensational wine should provide immense pleasure over the next 3-5 years.
93 points - The Wine Advocate (August 2009)
(65% Roussanne; 22% Grenache Blanc; 10% Pic-poul Blanc). This is a very nicely fruited wine, and even though Tablas Creek always seems to have one foot planted in France and one rooted here, this effort is all-California in its fruit even if owing something to that other place in its balance. It smells of Fuji apples and stone fruits with a hint of honey and it is clean, rich, bright and long on the palate and in aftertaste. And, it will surely improve a bit in the cellar.
92 points - Connoisseurs' Guide to California Wine (July 2009)
This is an hommage to the owning family’s white Rhône wine from France. It’s a crisp, minerally wine, firm and clean and dry, with flavors of dried citrus fruits, orange peel, honeysuckle flower, vanilla and toast. Shows real elegance and sophistication.
91 points - Wine Enthusiast (August 1, 2009)
"Appealing for its smoky overtones, medium body, waxy texture and broad apple and citrus flavors. A mouthwatering acidity adds lightness and clarity to the Meyer lemon, peach, pear and spice details. Roussanne, Grenache Blanc and Picpoul Blanc. Drink now. 2,150 cases made." 89 points - Wine Spectator, Web Only 2009 |