Description
Tablas Creek Grenache Noir '22
This wine is a pure expression of the varietal, composed of 100% Grenache. Sourced exclusively from the Tablas Creek estate vineyard in the Adelaida District of Paso Robles, the fruit benefits from the region's calcareous, limestone-rich soils. The vineyard is notable for its rigorous farming standards, being both Regenerative Organic Certified™ and biodynamic, ensuring a vibrant ecosystem that translates directly into the glass.
The 2022 vintage was defined by drama and resilience. It marked the third year of drought, culminating in a severe heatwave during harvest that drastically lowered yields. Despite the stress, the vines produced fruit of exceptional concentration and intensity. The cooler start to the summer preserved vital acidity, resulting in a wine that balances the vintage's heat with remarkable freshness and lift.
In the glass, the wine pours a translucent, pale garnet, deceptive in its lightness. The nose is expressive and high-toned, offering a complex bouquet of cherry candy, fresh tarragon, and a distinct "strawberry shortcake" profile that layers ripe berries with notes of buttery biscuit and whipped cream. On the palate, this is a medium-bodied, dry wine that feels energetic and precise. Flavors of strawberry jam and red licorice are buoyed by a zesty blood orange acidity. The finish is long and mineral-driven, showcasing a chalky texture and fine-grained tannins that provide elegant structure.
Winemaker Neil Collins employs a hands-off approach to let the terroir speak. The grapes were fermented using only native yeasts, preserving the natural character of the fruit. Maturation took place in large, neutral oak foudres, which micro-oxygenate the wine without imparting aggressive wood flavors, maintaining the purity of the Grenache.
This wine is exceptionally versatile at the table. It pairs beautifully with a grilled ribeye steak topped with chimichurri; the wine's bright acidity cuts through the marbling while the red fruit complements the char. Alternatively, try it with a hearty pasta featuring spicy Italian sausage and a mushroom ragù, where the savory earthiness of the dish highlights the wine's herbal and mineral nuances.
The 2022 Grenache has garnered significant critical praise, earning 93 points from both Robert Parker's Wine Advocate and JamesSuckling.com, as well as a stellar 95 points from BevX. Given its pedigree and the labor-intensive farming involved, it represents fantastic relative affordability in the world of premium domestic Rhône varietals.
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