2018 Cotes de Tablas
It looks like there was a problem contacting the store. Please try reloading your browser. If the problem persists try contacting us at orders@tablascreek.com
The Tablas Creek Vineyard Côtes de Tablas is a blend of four estate-grown Rhône varietals: Grenache, Syrah, Counoise and Mourvedre. Like most wines of the Southern Rhône, it showcases Grenache, featuring that grape's characteristic generous fruit and refreshing acidity, balanced by the spice and mineral of Syrah, the appealing briary wildness of Counoise and the structure of Mourvèdre.
-
93 points; "Closes smooth, spicy and subtly tannic": Vinous (Dec. 2020)
-
92 points; "medium to full-bodied and gently styled with a soft, juicy frame": Wine Advocate (Oct. 2020)
-
92 Points; "Focused and fresh": Purely Domestic Wine Report (Oct. 2020)
-
92 points; "elegantly complex black cherry and raspberry flavors accented by smoky garrigue and cracked pepper": Wine Spectator (Oct. 2020)
-
94 points & Editors' Choice; "berry, baking-spice and cappuccino flavors, wrapped in a leathery structure": Wine Enthusiast (Aug. 2020)
-
92 points; "smooth, meaty and dense, rich and earthy with good acid structure": Blue Lifestyle (Jul. 2020)
-
95 points; "Full-bodied and perfectly balanced with a opulent texture": BevX (Jun. 2020)
-
92 points; "seriously good length and bright acidity, with a silky texture that entices": Washington Wine Blog (May 2020)
-
Outstanding Plus/Extraordinary Potential; "lots of rich fruit wrapped in a well-structured frame": Underground WineLetter (May 2020)
-
97 points, #1 Red Blend of 2020; "This is a great American wine. It has depth and a big personality, while not sacrificing subtlety": VinePair (Apr. 2020)
-
90-92 points; "juicy red and blue fruit flavors that deepen and spread out with aeration": Vinous (Feb. 2020)
Tasting Notes
A deep nose, powerfully reminiscent of Syrah and the Rhone, with notes of soy marinade, black pepper, chocolate, and fig. On the palate, equally balanced between Grenache's red fruit and acid and Syrah's dark fruit and power, with flavors of kirsch, bittersweet chocolate, black cherry, and chalky tannins. A serious, powerful Cotes de Tablas that is already delicious but with the stuffing to age. Drink now and over the next decade.
Watch Chelsea and the Shepherd discuss the wine: Tasting 2018 Cotes de Tablas with Chelsea and the Shepherd.
Technical Details
Appellation
- Adelaida District Paso Robles
Technical Notes
- 14.5% Alcohol by Volume
- 2140 Cases Produced
Blend
- 45% Grenache
- 33% Syrah
- 12% Counoise
- 10% Mourvedre
Recipes & Pairings
Recipe Suggestions
Food Pairings
- Grilled steaks
- Pastas with meat sauces
- Rich beef stews
- Spicy sausages
Production Notes
The grapes for our Côtes de Tablas were grown on our certified organic and biodynamic estate vineyard.
The 2018 vintage saw an almost ideal balance of vine health and stress, as is often the case with the first dry year after a very wet one. Although rainfall was just 70% of normal, the rains came late, delaying the onset of bud-break and the beginning of the growing season. The cool weather continued most of the year, punctuated by a six-week heat wave in July and early August. But temperatures moderated before picking began, and harvest proceeded under slightly cooler than normal conditions, allowing us to pick without stress and producing fruit (and wines) with intense flavors and good balancing acidity.
All varietals were fermented in a mix of stainless steel and wooden upright fermenters with the use of native yeasts. After pressing, the wines were racked, blended in June 2019, aged for a year in 1200-gallon French oak foudres, and then bottled in February 2020. The wine is unfined and unfiltered.