At a glance

Producer

Tablas Creek Vineyard

Region

Paso Robles, California, USA

Grape variety

Red Bordeaux blend (primarily Mourvèdre, Grenache, Syrah, Counoise)

Wine type

Red

Body

Full-bodied and Smooth

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

$50-$65

Tasting profile

Tightly wound black fruit, earth, leather, garrigue herbs, with spicy pepper and mineral notes

Evolution: Fruit will deepen and meld further with spice and savory character emerging over 5-7 years

At peak: Complex layers of dark berry fruit, leather, truffle, tobacco, and subtle floral aromas

Structure

Acidity

Balanced to bright acidity providing freshness and ageability

Tannins

Medium to Firm - substantial but well-integrated, typical for Mourvèdre-dominant blends

Alcohol

14.5%

Aging potential

10-15 years, possibly up to 20 years under ideal conditions

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2027 to 2044

Optimal window

2025 to 2047

Current status

Young with developing complexity

Current condition

Tight tannins and vibrant acidity; needs additional bottle aging

The 2019 vintage at Tablas Creek is characterized by ripe fruit with balanced acidity and robust tannins, enabling a long maturation period. This allows the wine to evolve from youthful vibrancy to complex, integrated nuances after 5-7 years in bottle, peaking in the second decade post vintage.

Food pairing

Grilled lamb, roast duck, beef stew, wild mushrooms, hearty vegetable dishes, and aged cheeses

Serving

Serving temperature

16-18°C / 61-64°F

Decant

Yes (1 hour) — To soften tannins and allow the wine’s complexity to fully express

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 9/10

Solar energy powered winery; dry farming techniques; compost and cover cropping; minimal intervention winemaking; recyclable packaging

Tablas Creek Vineyard is a leader in sustainability in Paso Robles. Their commitment to organic certification, biodynamic farming, and solar power greatly reduces environmental impact. Water conservation is implemented through dry farming and efficient irrigation where necessary. Their packaging is lightweight glass with recycled content. The farm-to-bottle approach located within California’s Paso Robles ensures a relatively low carbon footprint compared to imported wines. Overall, the producer demonstrates exemplary sustainable practices worthy of a 9 on a 10-scale.