Tablas Creek White Rhone Blend Paso Robles Esprit de Beaucastel Blanc 2006

Wine Advocate ReviewRated 92-95Beautiful notes of orange blossoms, lemon oil, assorted tropical fruits, white currants, rose water, and spice emerge from the 2006 Esprit de Beaucastel Blanc (65% Roussanne, 35% Grenache Blanc, and 5% Picpoul). Full-bodied, rich, intense, dry, and stony in its minerality, this superb dry white should age nicely for 4-5 years or longer.Wine Tasting NotesThe Esprit de Beaucastel Blanc is a vibrant expression of the terroir of Tablas Creek. It shows aromas of honeysuckle, mint, lemon peel and spice, with rich Roussanne flavors of honey, rose petals and pear, a distinctive saline minerality from the limestone soils, balanced acidity and great length. It should drink well when young but will also reward time in bottle; we expect it to show beautifully for at least the next 8-10 years.

The 2005 Esprit de Beaucastel Blanc is a vibrant expression of the terroir of Tablas Creek. It shows aromas of honeysuckle, mint, lemon peel and spice, with rich Roussanne flavors of honey, rose petals, pear, petrol and white flowers, excellent breadth, cleansing acidity and great length. It should drink well when young but will also reward time in bottle; we expect it to show beautifully for at least the next 5-7 years.70% Roussanne25% Grenache Blanc5% Picpoul BlancFOOD PAIRINGSCooked shellfish (lobster, softshell crab, shrimp)Roasted or grilled vegetables (eggplant, asparagus, peppers)Foods cooked with garlic and olive oilRich fish dishes (i.e., salmon, swordfish)Asian stir fry