Tablas Creek Vineyard was founded by the Perrin family of Château de Beaucastel and Robert Haas, the longtime importer and founder of Vineyard Brands. Tablas Creek is dedicated to the production of wines made from Rhône grape varietals. All of their wines are made with grapes from their 120-acre certified organic estate vineyard. Each varietal is hand-harvested and fermented separately using native yeasts.
The 2006 Tablas Creek Vineyard Grenache Blanc is Tablas Creek’s third national release of its 100% Grenache Blanc. Grenache Blanc, is a little-known but widely-planted Southern Rhône varietal. Very light yellow in color. A touch reticent on the nose but provocative on the palate. Apple, peach, nectarine and some spice on the nose. Green apple, pear, almond, and citrus on the palate with a generous serving of white pepper, bay leaf and anise (something also left me a bit perplexed on the palate). Medium body, creamy with bright and zesty acidity. Complex with a focused and lasting finish. 15.3% alcohol ( well integrated). 550 cases produced.
I thought this was rather unique and provocative. While it might have a little too much personality for some, I was quite impressed with it. Recommended.
Related posts:
Côtes de Tablas Creek Vermentino 2008
Tablas Creek Vineyard Côtes de Tablas Blanc 2006
Tablas Creek Côtes de Tablas Rouge 2006
[...] Another example why Tablas Creek is one of my favorite producers in California. Others include: Tablas Creek Grenache Blanc 2006 Tablas Creek Vineyard Côtes de Tablas Blanc 2006 Tablas Creek Côtes de Tablas Rouge [...]
[...] Tablas Creek Grenache Blanc 2006 Côtes de Tablas Creek Vermentino 2008 Tablas Creek Vineyard Côtes de Tablas Blanc 2006 [...]
[...] Tablas Creek Grenache Blanc 2006 [...]
[...] wines from Tablas Creek: Tablas Creek Côtes de Tablas Rouge 2006 Tablas Creek Grenache Blanc 2006 Côtes de Tablas Creek Vermentino 2008 Tablas Creek Vineyard Côtes de Tablas Blanc [...]