2010 Tablas Creek "Côtes de Tablas Blanc" Paso Robles White Rhône Blend

SKU #1074010 92 points James Suckling

Bright and fruity with a floral character of gardenias and dried mangos. Full yet balanced and crisp. Loads of flavor. (10/ 2011)

90 points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

The just-bottled 2010 Cotes de Tablas Blanc is quite a bit fresher and more nuanced than the 2009. Bright, citrus white fruit, flowers and minerals come together beautifully in this polished, vibrant white. In 2010 the blend is 54% Viognier, 30% Grenache Blanc, 8% Marsanne and 8% Roussanne. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2017. (8/ 2011)

90 points Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar

(54% viognier, 30% grenache blanc, 8% marsanne and 8% roussanne): Bright yellow-gold. Fresh melon and peach on the fragrant nose. A juicy, energetic midweight that offers fresh honeydew and pit fruit flavors and a hint of candied orange. Finishes smooth, spicy and very long, leaving notes of fresh flowers and white pepper behind. (10/ 2011)

K&L Notes

For lovers of Rhône whites who want to drink domestically, it doesn't get much better than the Côtes de Tablas Blanc from Tablas Creek. A blend of Grenache Blanc, Viognier, Roussanne and Marsanne grown on the certified organic Tablas Creek estate in Paso Robles, the 2010 is incredibly aromatic, with scents of nectarines and peaches tossed with fresh mint, and a hint of melon. On the palate, the wine has the broad, glycerol impact of Viognier married with the dryer, leaner character of Grenache Blanc. Tart apple, peaches, cream and a little sea air on the finish round out this distinctive package. Try it with day boat scallops with a fennel slaw or mussels in white wine with frites.