As I wrote last year, the 2023 Esprit de Tablas Blanc is poised and composed on the nose, straddling orchard fruit, citrus rind and white flower aromas with a rich, deep nuttiness at the core. The palate is punchy, powerful and round in texture with a surprising elegance and understated quality. The finish is seamless and direct, with a pleasing phenolic grip and lifted acidity surrounding a core of rich stone fruit flavors. This is a classic version of this wine, with perhaps a bit more energy overall, due to both the cool vintage and the lower percentage of Roussanne that has characterized the last few versions of this blend. This 2023 is composed of 48% Roussanne, 22% Grenache Blanc, 13% Picpoul Blanc, 10% Bourboulenc, 5% Picardan and 2% Clairette Blanche.
95+ points, Matthew Luczy, Wine Advocate (Oct 2025)
The 2023 Esprit de Tablas Blanc is gorgeous, speaking in whispers yet with so much to say. It impresses with a finessed bouquet that combines nectarines and honied florals with ginger-tinged apples and pears. The palate is silken in feel with medium-bodied weight as a pure wave of ripe pit fruits and a subtle hint of spice takes on a citrusy twang toward the close. Tactile mineral tones add a crunchy sensation through the long, perfumed finish. A glorious Esprit de Tablas Blanc that is already a total pleasure to taste, yet with the balance for a lovely evolution in bottle.
95 points, Eric Guido, Vinous (Jun 2025)
Wet slate and granite aromas and flavors join subtle spices on a palate of concentration and length. White licorice, citrus and apples linger with lanolin and quietly lifted lemon blossoms. Structure and generosity in equal measure. Drink or hold, but best after 2026 and for more than a decade after.
95 points, James Suckling (Aug 2025)
A gorgeous display of white Rhône varieties, very similar to the recipe of the 2022 vintage, with Roussane leading the way; Grenache Blanc, Picpoul Blanc, Clairette Blanche, Picardan, and Bourboulenc all coming to the table. The top white wine from Tablas Creek is a barrel selection of their best lots each vintage. The aromatics make a dazzling show as beeswax, lemon verbena, and gorgeous white florals show against a note of rich pineapple. It's honeyed yet so fresh on the palate with lively fresh herbs playing against ripe nectarine flesh and baked yellow apples. Brilliant mineral salinity carries the finish with notes of fresh tarragon. This bright, fresh, yet undeniably complex white blend shows the capacity of Paso Robles when picking early and seeking to make wines of balance.
95 points, Clive Pursehouse, Decanter (Apr 2025)
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