At a glance

Producer

Tablas Creek Vineyard

Region

Adelaida District Paso Robles AVA, Paso Robles, California, United States

Grape variety

Mourvèdre (40%), Syrah (27%), Grenache (23%), Counoise (10%)

Wine type

Red

Body

Full-bodied and Smooth

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

$60-$75

Tasting profile

Red and black fruits (black cherry, plum), forest floor, leather, earthy notes, with hints of spice, and cedar.

Evolution: Will gain more tertiary notes like truffle, dried herbs, and complex savory characters.

At peak: Rich, layered complexity with silky tannins and integrated acidity, showing finesse and length.

Structure

Acidity

Moderate to bright, balanced

Tannins

Medium to firm, well-structured

Alcohol

14.5% ABV

Aging potential

15-20+ years due to structure and quality fruit

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2028 to 2055

Optimal window

2024 to 2058

Current status

Approaching early maturity with excellent aging potential

Current condition

Shows focused fruit and developing complexity with youthful tannins

The 2018 vintage from Tablas Creek is from a stellar year with ideal ripening conditions in Paso Robles. The blend’s firm tannins and bright acidity support long aging. Early maturation is evident but deeper complexity and silkiness of tannins will develop fully by year 8-10 post-vintage, while drinking well beyond two decades due to biodynamic farming and balanced vineyard practices.

Food pairing

Pairs exceptionally with lamb, game meats, hearty stews, grilled vegetables, and aged cheeses.

Serving

Serving temperature

16-18°C / 61-64°F

Decant

Yes (1 hour) — To soften tannins and allow aromas to open up for optimal expression.

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 9/10

Employs biodynamic farming, energy-efficient winery operations, solar power installation, rigorous water conservation strategies, cover cropping, and minimal intervention winemaking.

Tablas Creek Vineyard is recognized as a leader in sustainability within California. Their biodynamic certification reflects holistic vineyard management aimed at soil health and biodiversity. Energy use is minimized with solar arrays, and water use optimized through drip irrigation and soil moisture monitoring. Local sales dominate, reducing logistics carbon. Overall, the estate’s comprehensive approach yields a very sustainable operation.