2009 Esprit de Beaucastel Blanc

The flagship 2009 Esprit de Beaucastel Blanc is 62% Roussanne, 26% Grenache Blanc and 12% Picpoul Blanc. It reveals lovely delineation, freshness and verve. Scents of white peaches, flowers, minerals come together beautifully on the layered finish. The 2009 Esprit has lovely vibrancy for the vintage, mostly owing to the inclusion of 12% Picpoul, which adds much needed acidity.

Impressive and a serious white, the 2009 Tablas Creek Esprit de Beaucastel Blanc is a blend of 62% Roussanne, 26% Grenache Blanc, and 12% Picpoul Blanc, that’s aged in a combination of stainless steel, small barrels, and foudre. The nose boasts intense aromatics of pear and baked apple fruits, herbs, honeysuckle, and edgy, rocky minerality. Oozing extract and concentration on the palate, the wine is medium to full bodied with a serious, structured feel, beautiful balance, and a very long, clean finish. This is superb now, but should also age very well.

(62% roussanne, 26% grenache blanc and 12% picpoul) Vivid gold. Pungent, mineral and herb-accented aromas of dried pit fruits, mango, honey and lemon curd. A smoky note comes up with air, along with a hint of anise. Then dusty, dry and sappy on the palate, with impressive intensity to the flavors of ripe orchard fruits, citrus peel and licorice. Finishes firm-edged and stony, with excellent persistence. A serious, soil-driven white wine that was raised in all neutral oak.