2012 Tablas Creek Tannat

The 2012 Tannat is a beauty. Medium to full-bodied, rich and nicely concentrated, with a serious core of tannin, it gives up ripe cherry, violets, licorice and ground herbs in its beautifully balanced, layered and lengthy profile. A blend of 94% Tannat and 6% Cabernet Sauvignon, it will have 15 years or more of longevity. This was an enjoyable tasting with Jason Haas and winemaker Neal Collins. Looking at the 2012s, this was an above-average crop, and it shows in the wines, with most possessing lighter colors and more mid-weight depth and textures. While there’s plenty to like here, it is not my favorite vintage from this estate and I hope it’s a result of the vintage and not a stylistic change. The 2013s are better, but still lack the depth and richness of a top year. Looking at the 2012 reds, these come across as lighter weight, streamlined and forward efforts that lack depth and richness. Given the quality that’s present in the vintage as a whole, these are a disappointment. Starting off the 2013s, all of which were tasted out of barrel, these appear to be a step up from the ‘12s, yet still show mostly mid-weight depth and richness. Tel. (805) 237-1231; www.tablascreek.com