I spent a couple of quality hours with a bottle of 2010 Tablas Creek Vineyard Patelin de Tablas Blanc, Paso Robles last night. This blend of Grenache Blanc, Viognier, Roussanne and Marsanne represents a new niche in Tablas Creek's line-up as it is made from a combination of estate fruit and purchased fruit. The Patelin line (Rouge to be released this fall) will allow them some flexibility in years when grape yields are unusually high or low. Somewhat darker than expected, the nose reveals layers of floral, honeyed notes and a hint of brown spice reminiscent of nutmeg. The palate is dense with tropical, pineapple flavors and crisp minerality. Thick, but never heavy, it has a wonderfully rich texture with crisp acidity and a slightly bitter finish which adds balance and complexity. Quite a nice wine for about $20.
For dinner I cut up a whole chicken and pan-roasted the quarters. As the chicken was resting, I made a quick pan sauce with grape tomatoes (from the garden, of course!), fresh herbs, garlic and a splash of sherry vinegar. Absolutely delicious with the wine.
Don't you just love Tablas Creek? I love the whole package...plus, it helped me "get" Rhone varietals a bit more. I can't wait to go back, & this time, I'm going to win the battle of whether or not to join the wine club (I wanted to, he said no)!
ReplyDeleteGrenache Blanc/Garnacha Blanca is so delicious. It's one of my new favorites for hot weather.
I dearly love Tablas Creek! We bought a number of wines when we visited there; mostly single varietals that aren't available her. Stuff like Mourvedre and Syrah. Probably should've joined their club, but didn't. It's in my top 3 Paso favorites with Dunning and Adelaida.
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