2013 Tablas Creek Côtes de Tablas

A year in, year out excellent value, the 2013 Cotes de Tablas (55% Grenache, 30% Syrah, 10% Counoise and 5% Mourvedre, raised mostly in foudre) offers pretty, juicy and lively aromas and flavors of crunchy black cherries, blackberries, peppery herbs, and underbrush. Medium-bodied, balanced and easy drinking, it still has the depth and class to evolve for a 7-8 years (I know as we had just finished an '05 retrospective).

39% Viognier, 29% Grenache Blanc, 20% Marsanne, 12% Roussanne . Muted aromatics. A kiss of sweet floral lift, notes of clementine and almond. Chalky saline and white pepper throughout. (ECB)

The 2013 Cotes de Tables sports a Rhone-like bouquet of raspberry and black fruit, licorice, roasted herbs and charred beef. Made from 55% Grenache, 30% Syrah, 10% Counoise and 5% Mourvedre that was brought up in foudre, it offers medium to full-bodied richness, plenty of tannin and a clean, classy finish. It has outstanding potential and will drink nicely for 4-5 years. 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