2000 Clos Blanc

Production Notes

The 2000 Clos Blanc is Tablas Creek Vineyard’s signature white wine from the 2000 vintage, and the predecessor of the Esprit de Beaucastel Blanc. It is also the first Tablas Creek white to be predominantly Roussanne, and has shown Roussanne’s potential for aging.

The 2000 vintage was beautifully balanced at the vineyard: warm sunny days persisted through the ripening season, without the intense baking heat that can dampen the varietals’ aromatics. Consistent warmth throughout harvest produced wines with tremendous concentration, beginning with the Viognier on September 8th, and finishing with the last lots of Roussanne and Marsanne on October 16th.

All the varietals were whole cluster pressed, and fermented with native yeasts. The Roussanne was fermented half in stainless steel fermenters and half in small neutral oak “pieces”, while the other varietals were fermented 100% in stainless steel. All the varieties completed malolactic fermentation. The wines were racked, blended, and bottled in April 2001.

Updated tasting notes November 2005: Roussanne component predominant: a slightly nutty nose of honey, spice, and ripe pear. Fat and rich in the mouth, but balanced by moderate acidity, with flavors of honey and clove. A long finish with the spice resonating for 30 seconds. Drinking beautifully now, and should age gracefully for another year or two at least.

Reviews

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Recipe Suggestions

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Food Pairings

  • Lobster Bisque
  • Shrimp Scampi
  • Spicy foods (curries, gumbo)
  • Roast pork
Clos Blanc

Not Available for Purchase

Blend

  • 45% Roussanne
  • 19% Viognier
  • 19% Marsanne
  • 17% Grenache Blanc

Technical Notes

  • 13.7% alcohol by volume
  • 2857 cases produced

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