2022 Esprit de Beaucastel Rouge

The 2022 Esprit de Tablas is 40% Mourvèdre, 28% Grenache, 22% Syrah, 4% Vaccarese, 3% Counoise and 3% Cinsaut. The energetic nose displays classic aromas of decadent dark fruits, new leather, fresh herbs and bright spices within a refined, graceful package. The palate strikes a delicious balance between sumptuous, ample concentration and palpable precision, remaining tight and focused without ever approaching austerity. The finish is impressively long and multidimensional, with a beautiful balance of tight, fine tannins and very bright, clean, energetic acidity. This feels gently guided and meticulously crafted rather than polished and uniform, and I am eager to follow its development.

Exotic and spicy, the 2022 Esprit de Tablas blossoms with a collage of dried roses, sage and dried black cherries. This is finessed and graceful, with a lifted feel and cooling acidity that propels its mineral-laced red berry fruits across the palate. Blood orange notes and cedary spice resonate on as the 2022 finishes tannic and long with a classically dry impression and primary concentration. This is a beautiful Esprit de Tablas in the making which I expect will enjoy a long and broad drinking window. Tasted from barrel.

The 2022 Esprit de Tablas has mellowed in an enticing way, delivering a perfumed bouquet of roses, geraniums, wet slate and dried black cherries. Cooling acidity and inner violet florals impart a graceful character as a wave of tart wild berry and blackberry fruits slowly saturates. This enshrouds the palate in fine-grained tannins and wild blueberries as it finishes with excellent length and a gentle inner sweetness. The 2022 is a darling with both upfront appeal and cellar potential.