2021 Tablas Creek 'Esprit de Tablas' Rouge Paso Robles
The nose is deep and inviting, clearly Esprit: new leather, sweet spice, currants and dark chocolate. On the palate, broad and rich, with notes of flourless chocolate cake, black plum, meat drippings, and a spicy, nutty mincemeat pie element. The finish is brambly blackberry, black fig, and milk chocolate, with chewy tannins that promise years of meaty development. Immensely appealing now, but also with the structure and intensity to reward time in the cellar. Enjoy any time in the next 25 years.
Vinous
The 2021 Esprit de Tablas is youthfully inward and complex, with a burst of dusty rose, white pepper and lavender, crushed raspberries and wet stone. It washes across the palate with waves of ripe red and blue fruit, motivated by brisk acidity. Notes of licorice and tactile mineral tones saturate toward the close. A wall of fine-grained tannins clenches the palate with primary concentration, as violet inner florals and hints of lavender resonate on. The 2021 is full of potential, yet patience will be required.