Tablas Creek Vineyard, Paso Robles, Cotes de Tablas 2008 The fruit is fresh and lively in the nose, with floral notes and sweet spice. In the mouth it is medium-bodied, very fruity and structured, making it a winner with grilled pork and a fruity but savoury reduction sauce. This red Rhone-style blend is composed of 42% Grenache, 21% Syrah 17% Mourvedre and 20% Counoise, all organically grown. This wine is now bottled under Stelvin. GP&B in Paso Robles 14.5% purchased for $21.69 at Bottle Barn
I’m a big fan of this estate and they are a must-see when you are in Paso. Tablas Creek Vineyard
Andre Brunel, Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Les Cailloux 2007 There’s a fair degree of horse blanket marking the nose with vanilla and brown spices. In the mouth the bretty theme continues with meatiness and dried fruits. There’s plenty of structure, making this chewy wine a baby but accessible with a thick piece of red meat or some blood sausage. The oaky notes add refinement and the flavors go on and on – very nice. This is their estate CDP. 65% old vine Grenache, 20% Mourvedre, 12% Syrah and 3% Cinsault, aged for 18 months in a combo of new and used oak, unfined and unfitered. 14% purchased for $38.49 at Bottle Barn