Esprit Blanc de Tablas Roussanne Blend

A tasting of six aged white Rhônes, including 20 and 35-year-old Hermitages vs a Chapoutier Saint-Joseph Blanc (Les Granits) a 19-year-old Esprit from Tablas Creek, and a Calera Mount Harlan Viognier. This 2009 Chapoutier was the winner for me, and the group.

Surprisingly delicious. Better with air.

This was a disappointment. Hollowed out. Lacked fruit, acidity and character. Kind of like a lousy strip tease. The only difference was that this was naked from beginning to end.

Lithe, textured yet glides on the palate. Moderately sweet with a compressed fruit profile. Interesting presentation.

I know I’m supposed to hold this but I just can’t help myself

This wine has a nose full of lemons, limes and that good Paso Robles minerality. There is a nutty angle that plays in, too, but not as strongly as I anticipated given the presence of Roussanne. The palate is tasty and ripe, with citrus taking the lead ahead of those minerals. It’s a great white wine for winter, with a touch of warming oak. Pair it with root vegetable dishes or any kind of fish.

Complex, round, floral-earth.

This is absolutely lovely. Orchard fruit, pineapple, melon and powerful honeysuckle aromas. Ripe, dense and layered fruit throughout that is buoyed by excellent mineral tension and freshness. Very expressive and balanced.

Lots going on here. Herbaceous and a little honeysuckle up front with green apple, green melon, and anise. Very rich on the tongue.

Blend of 66% Roussanne, 21% Grenache Blanc, 8% Picpoul Blanc, 3% Picardan & 2% Clairette Blanch, aged in French oak (20% new). Pale to medium lemon color with aromas of stone fruits, flower blossoms and nutty spice. On the palate flavors of ripe apple, baked pears and citrus zest with touches of honeysuckle and sweet oak. Long finish, good mouthfeel, well balanced with acidity ending with fruit, nutty notes and pronounced mineral character, very nice!