The Tablas Creek Vineyard En Gobelet 2007 is a unique blend of three estate-grown varietals, selected from head-pruned, dry-farmed sections of our 120-acre certified organic estate vineyard. As we tasted through the lots from the remarkable 2007 vintage, we noticed that the lots from head-pruned blocks shared an elegance and a clarity that was noteworthy. We created an non-traditional (but delicious) blend combining the dark red fruit, earth, spice and mid-palate richness of Mourvedre, the forward fruit, approachability and lushness of Grenache, and just a touch of dark, smoky Tannat for firmness on the finish.

The 2007 vintage was the best vintage we've yet seen at Tablas Creek. Yields were very low (down between 15% and 30%, depending on variety) due to a cold and very dry winter, which produced small berries and small clusters. A moderate summer without any significant heat spikes followed, allowing gradual ripening, and producing red wines with tremendous intensity, excellent freshness and a lushness to the fruit which cloaks tannins that should allow the wines to age gracefully. Grenache was harvested between September 25th and October 22nd, the Tannat between October 3rd and 10th and the Mourvedre throughout October and completing the harvest on October 30th.

The grapes were fermented using native yeasts in open and closed stainless steel fermenters. After pressing, the wines were moved into barrel, blended, and aged in one 1200-gallon French oak foudre. It was bottled in July 2009. The wine is unfined and unfiltered.

The 2007 En Gobelet shows a dark, spicy nose of black licorice, figs and balsamic vinegar. The mouth is intensely juicy (raspberry and plum) but with great acids broadening its impact on the palate. The finish turns darker and smokier, with Tannat's characteristic firmness. Drink now and for the next decade.