Tablas Creek Esprit de Beaucastel 2005

The 2005 Esprit de Beaucastel is dark black-red in color, with a rich briary nose of black cherry, plum and rare steak, overlaid with sweet spices and mocha. The elegant, layered palate shows explosive fruit, with smoky and meaty flavors. Ripe tannins provide structure. The long finish reveals mineral and black cherry notes. The wine is showing remarkably well now, but should evolve elegantly in bottle for 10-15 years or longer.44% Mourvedre, 26% Grenache, 25% Syrah, 5% CounoiseFOOD PAIRINGS: Game, Dark Fowl (i.e., duck), Richly flavored stews, Lamb, Asian preparation of red meats (i.e., beef stir fry)

March 2009

Milk chocolate and flower aromas. Meaty, chocolate, and black cherry flavors. Lots of roasted her, grilled meat, and plum emerge as the wine opens up in both the aromas and flavors. Acidity and emerging minerality add complexity to the fruit.

December 2008

The 2005 Esprit de Beaucastel looks sensational. A blend of 44% Mourvedre, 26% Grenache, 25% Syrah, and the rest Counoise, this wine has a dense ruby/purple color, a beautiful nose of incense, melted ... Robert Parker. A Proprietary Blend wine from California in USA. 2005 Tablas Creek Esprit de Beaucastel 1500ml

February 2009

44% Mourvedre, 26% Grenache, 25% Syrah, 5% Counoise The 2005 Esprit de Beaucastel is dark black-red in color, with a rich briary nose of black cherry, plum and rare steak, overlaid with sweet spices and mocha. The elegant, layered palate shows explosive fruit, with smoky and meaty flavors. Ripe tannins provide structure. The long finish reveals mineral and black cherry notes. The wine is showing remarkably well now, but should evolve elegantly in bottle for 10-15 years or longer.

The Wine Advocate rating: 92

October 2008

International Wine Cellar rating: 93

October 2008