2006 Tablas Creek - Esprit de Beaucastel Blanc Proprietary Blend - USA - California - San Luis Obispo - Paso Robles - White

This golden hued blend of Roussanne, Grenache Blanc, and Picpoul Blanc from Paso Robles presented a curious nose that approximated tropical fruit, rose petals, hazelnut, and vanilla. I use the word "approximated" to try and engender some sense that these descriptions do not quite hit the mark. The elusive quality of the nose was focused by the flavor, which included flowery, honeyed pear, white pepper, and a noticeable minerality (though not nearly so prominent as the 2005). This wine would be an excellent pairing with shellfish or rich fish.

Initial taste and nose of citrus replaced by strong apricot flavors and floral nose as the wine is exposed to oxygen. Rich mouth feel from the rousanne.

Light blonde-gold in color, this wine has a rich nose of star fruit, mineral, and floral aromas. In the mouth the overwhelming impression is one of balance and delicacy, though this is quickly eclipsed by a sensuousness of texture upon which float flavors of white peaches, pears, and a calcified minerality that extend into a long, beautiful finish.

Tasted at 10/16/07 Tables Creek Dinner at Niche. Big and bold very buttery white. Lots of fruit and almond. Gpod wine for Thanksgiving.