Wine Article
2007 Tablas Creek Esprit de Beaucastel Blanc
Last edited on 10/28/2008 by Three-Star Dave
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WINE LABEL: A tremendous expression of the outstanding 2007 vintage. Rich aromatics of honeysuckle, lemon drop, meringue and spice are followed by intense flavors of honey, caramel apple and lemon, and a long mineral finish. Rousanne 68%, Grenache Blanc 22%, Picpoul Blanc 10%.
WINEMAKER PRODUCTION NOTES: Roussanne, with its wonderufl balance of richness, minerality, and acidity, as usual forms the core of our 2007 Esprit de Beaucastel Blanc. In 2007, a year of treemndous intensity for all our varietals, we balanced Roussanne's rightness with a higher-than-usual percentage of Picpoul. The final blend for 2007 includes 68% roussanne, 22% Grenache Blanc (for roundness and its distinctive green apple and anise flavors), and 10% Picpoul Blanc for acids and minerality.We fermented both Grenache Blanc and Roussanne in one- and two-year-old foudres, which added richness and gentle sweet oak to the wine. The Grenache Blanc's extraordinarily long fermentation delayed blending and bottling of this wine into August 2008.
WINEMAKER TASTING NOTES: A powerful expression of the 2007 vintage at Tablas Creek, the wine shows aromas of rose petals, candied lemon, honeycomb, white pepper, and sweet oak, rich Roussanne flavors of oney and sweet spice and long, dry, slightly tropical finish. It should drink well young, but will also reward time in bottle. We recommend you hold the wine 6 months, and expect it to shine for at least the next 6-8 years. Pre-release press: robert Parker 92-94 points (6/08)
WINEMAKER PRODUCTION NOTES: Roussanne, with its wonderufl balance of richness, minerality, and acidity, as usual forms the core of our 2007 Esprit de Beaucastel Blanc. In 2007, a year of treemndous intensity for all our varietals, we balanced Roussanne's rightness with a higher-than-usual percentage of Picpoul. The final blend for 2007 includes 68% roussanne, 22% Grenache Blanc (for roundness and its distinctive green apple and anise flavors), and 10% Picpoul Blanc for acids and minerality.We fermented both Grenache Blanc and Roussanne in one- and two-year-old foudres, which added richness and gentle sweet oak to the wine. The Grenache Blanc's extraordinarily long fermentation delayed blending and bottling of this wine into August 2008.
WINEMAKER TASTING NOTES: A powerful expression of the 2007 vintage at Tablas Creek, the wine shows aromas of rose petals, candied lemon, honeycomb, white pepper, and sweet oak, rich Roussanne flavors of oney and sweet spice and long, dry, slightly tropical finish. It should drink well young, but will also reward time in bottle. We recommend you hold the wine 6 months, and expect it to shine for at least the next 6-8 years. Pre-release press: robert Parker 92-94 points (6/08)