Community Tasting Note
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SLOFred Likes this wine: 92 points
February 28, 2015 - Another fine TCV effort. I agree with the vintage chart by TCV, it is ready to drink, could go a little longer. Surprised because it is a 2010. Good flavor integration of the varietals, but at least for me, I get a wonderful grenache flavor in the finish. Surprised me a bit. Decanted 2 hours.
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9 Comments
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wilypod commented:
2/28/15, 10:30 AM - When I tasted it about 24 months ago, It was all about Tannat and Mourvedre: exaggerating, rare steak, iron, soy sauce, and rather tannic for a TCV wine. The emergence of the Grenache would be welcome. In fact what I love about the 2012 En Gobelet is its vibrant Grenache character, injecting an unearthbound, ethereal note into the proceedings, at this stage anyway.
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SLOFred commented:
2/28/15, 1:09 PM - Hi Willypod
Funny you should mention the 2012! I am just getting ready to head to TCV winery for a 2005 horizontal. The March special is the 2012 En Gobelet! Of the 2012's from TCV, it is one of my favorites. And you are right, the Grenache in the 2012 makes it wonderful. I will be loading up my cellar with it today! -
wilypod commented:
2/28/15, 2:10 PM - Sorry I cannot join the occasion, one of the joys of being on the wrong (east) coast. Have fun!! I agree. The 2012 releases are terrific. Either TCV wines are getting better, or blending techniques have hit full stride, or my tastes have evolved. Maybe all three. Or maybe climate change favors the blends I prefer.
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SLOFred commented:
3/1/15, 10:27 AM - Well, the testing was enlightening! We had Vermentino, Viognier and the Esprit Blanc. All were excellent. The first two may not go much further, but they were still very lively. They did give insight as to how these wines will develop. The reds were the Mourvedre and Counoise. The first was pretty powerful for its age, the Counoise reminded me of a Grenache or Beaujolais. Both still had some life, surprisingly. But then the Esprit Noir and the Panoplie. A delicious tar from the syrah in the Esprit. Loved it. Still had lots of life. (Fortunately, I had the insight to buy this wine while still available and I have about 16 bottles in my cellar--Yummy) Just an amazing wine. The Panoplie was still really young. With 25% syrah in the Esprit and 5% in the Panoplie, you could definitely tell that he tar was from the syrah. Last was the vin de Paille. Incredible balance. I am not much of a desert wine drinker, but the balance on this wine was really something.
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wilypod commented:
3/1/15, 9:18 PM - I've been in the wine club now for only 3 years and look forward to trying some of the Esprits when they are fully mature acc to the vintage chart. It's been fun figuring out Mourvedre -- ok when it is a baby then one has to wait 5 to 7 years. The horizontal shows your patience on the 2005 has paid off.
Was the 2005 Esprit blanc as memorable as its red counterpart? -
SLOFred commented:
3/2/15, 7:19 AM - Surprisingly, the Esprit Blanc developed a richness that is not in the younger versions. But it is rich in mouth-feel without developing that ugly, cloying character that I despise in CA Chardonnay (PS: I drink SB or French Chablis or Rhone whites, I just had CA Chard).
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wilypod commented:
3/2/15, 9:19 AM - Thanks for the note on Esprit blanc as well. Keep up your interesting reviews and cheers.
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SLOFred commented:
3/2/15, 9:25 AM - One last thing about TCV. Their vintage chart is a GREAT guide. I wish more wineries did that.
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wilypod commented:
3/2/15, 9:46 AM - Yep, I like the vintage chart but the verticals and horizontals give additional information, which is why I envy your physical proximity to TCV. I posted some commentary on the TCV blog earlier today expressing my appreciation for holding these events. Cellartracker is a great way to explore further and I appreciate your commentary and engagement.