2009 Côtes de Tablas Blanc

Production Notes

The Tablas Creek Vineyard Côtes de Tablas Blanc is a blend of four estate-grown white Rhône varietals: Viognier, Roussanne, Marsanne, and Grenache Blanc. The wine, like most wines of the Southern Rhône, is a blend of varietals, featuring the floral aromatics and stone fruit of Viognier, the structure and minerality of Marsanne and Roussanne, and the crisp acids and rich mouthfeel of Grenache Blanc.

The grapes for our Côtes de Tablas Blanc were grown on our 120-acre certified organic estate vineyard.

The 2009 vintage was our third consecutive drought year, with yields further reduced by April frosts. Berries and clusters were small, with excellent concentration. Ripening over the summer was gradual and our white harvest complete except for a few Roussanne lots at the time of a major rainstorm on October 13th. Crop sizes were 10% smaller than 2008 and 30% lower than usual. The low yields and gradual ripening resulted in wines with an appealing lushness, rich texture and gentle minerality. Viognier began the harvest between September 1st and 9th, followed by Grenache Blanc between September 14th and 24th, Marsanne between September 16th and 25th and Roussanne between September 18th and November 2nd.

All varietals for the Côtes de Tablas Blanc were whole cluster pressed, and fermented in stainless steel to emphasize the clean crisp flavors and preserve the aromatics. Only native yeasts were used. After fermentation, the wines were racked and blended, and bottled in June 2010. The wine underwent only a light cold stabilization before bottling.

Tasting Notes

The 2009 Côtes de Tablas Blanc is a blend in the style of French Côtes du Rhone whites, and features intense aromas of stone fruits and minerals, flavors of apricot and Provençal herbs, rich texture, moderate acidity and a long peachy finish.

Reviews

• 88 points: Wine Advocate (Aug. 2011)
• "Excellent": Washington Post (Jun. 2011)
• 90 points: Rhone Report (Dec. 2010)
• 89 points: Tanzer’s IWC (Nov. 2010)
• 89-91 points: Wine Advocate (Aug. 2010)

[...more recent Tablas Creek press]

Recipe Suggestions

• Mussels Mariniere
• Fish with Fennel

[...more recipes]

Food Pairings

• Mussels Marinière
• Green salads with avocado and citrus dressing
• Scallops
• Ceviche
• Light fish (halibut, sole) with tropical salsa

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