2010 En Gobelet

Production Notes

The Tablas Creek Vineyard En Gobelet 2010 is a unique blend of five estate-grown varietals, selected from head-pruned, dry-farmed sections of our 120-acre certified organic estate vineyard. We have felt for some time that the lots from head-pruned blocks share an elegance and a clarity that was noteworthy. Beginning in 2007, we created our non-traditional (but delicious) blend En Gobelet which combines the fruit, approachability and lushness of Grenache, the structure, earth, and mid-palate richness of Mourvèdre, the dark color and minerality of Syrah, the dark smokiness of Tannat and the spicy vibrancy of Counoise.

The 2010 vintage saw healthy rainfall after three years of drought. The ample early-season groundwater and a lack of spring frosts produced a good fruit set. A very cool summer delayed ripening by roughly three weeks, with harvest not beginning until mid-September and still less than half complete in mid-October. Warm, sunny weather between mid-October and mid-November allowed the later-ripening varieties to reach full maturity. The long hangtime and cool temperatures combined to produce fruit with intense flavors and dark color at low alcohol levels. Syrah was harvested between September 28th and October 13th, followed by Grenache between October 4th and November 13th, Tannat between October 14th and 18th, Counoise between October 17th and November 6th, and Mourvèdre between October 4th and November 18th.

The grapes were largely havested together from the section of the vineyard we call "Scruffy Hill" and co-fermented in an upright oak fermenter using native yeasts. After pressing, the wine was moved into one 1200-gallon French oak foudre as well as a couple of older oak puncheons. It was re-blended and bottled in May 2012.

Tasting Notes

The 2010 En Gobelet has a pretty nose showing grenache's characteristic grape, milk chocolate, pepper spice, and floral components. An initial perception of sweetness in the mouth is quickly banished by grippy tannins that suggest a rest in the cellar is recommended. In the near term, pair it with a marbled steak, or age it for 5-10 years to reveal the leather and truffle notes that are lurking in the background.

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Food Pairings

  • Game
  • Dark Fowl (i.e., duck)
  • Richly flavored stews
  • Lamb
  • Pasta puttanesca
  • Asian preparation of red meats (i.e., beef stir fry)
En Gobelet

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Blend

  • 37% Grenache
  • 28% Mourvedre
  • 13% Syrah
  • 12% Counoise
  • 10% Tannat

Technical Notes

  • 14.5% Alcohol by Volume
  • 700 Cases Produced

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Upcoming Events

Celebrate Paso Robles Wine Festival with Tablas Creek

Join us for the Paso Robles Wine Community's biggest celebration! We'll pour Esprit de Beaucastel at Friday's Reserve Event and a range of new releases at Saturday's Grand Tasting. And all weekend we'll have special wines open at the winery and will be taking tours to visit our herd of sheep, alpacas and donkeys. Sunday 11am to 1:30pm enjoy Chef Jacob Lovejoy's small plates, free with a tasting. Details & more events »

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