Last week we toured the Paso Robles and Edna Valley areas with our friends Bob and Diane Reid. The above photo is the tasting room at Tablas Creek Vineyard. Since we went in the middle of the week we were usually the only customers in the room and the staff has plenty of time to explain the wines. We were told that on a weekend there would have been a line out the door. Here are some notes:
Tablas Creek: I was familiar with this vineyard (their wine was recommended by the sommelier at Picholine in New York City) but did not know their full range of activity. The Esprit de Beaucastel Blanc 2008 is a good white Rhone style wine but not good enough to justify the $40.00 price. The Rosé 2009 is very pleasant but Navarro makes a better rosé for less. The Syrah 2007 was spectacular! Their premier Rhone red, Panoplie 2007, was not available for tasting but I bought a bottle to take home by joining their wine club. The smoky Mourvédre 2007 made a big hit with Katherine and Diane but I wonder how food friendly it would be.
Justin was new to me. The 2008 Viognier ($22.50) was as good an example of that variety as I can remember. The 2008 Chardonnay ($15.00 end of season special price) was dry and not oakey, but it seemed sour to me. Their tasting notes of "crisp green appley acidity" are apt. I would not like this wine at any price. Their premium wine is the 2007 Isosceles ($62.00). I thought it was outstanding. It will age for 20 years. The big surprise was the 2008 Obtuse—the only red desert wine I can ever remember tasting. It goes very well with chocolate.
Adelaida: I have been a member of their wine club for a long time and did not take any tasting notes. My attention was totally focused on the 2005 Schoolhouse Syrah that they were closing out at $9.00 per bottle. Bob Reid and I both took a case. That said, my purchases over the years make me think of Adelaida as one of the best Paso wineries.
Wolff (Edna Valley): This used to be a very pleasant small winery with a few tables in the shade overlooking the vineyard. The owner and his son would bring glasses of wine to your table to taste. We discovered that, alas, success has eliminated that idyllic setting. So we continued on our way without tasting. However, judging from the ribbons we saw before we left the wine is as good as ever.
Talley (Edna Valley): This winery has a very elegant tasting room with a fine view. They are particularly proud of their whites, but we tasted the reds instead. I do not have my tasting notes but suffice it to say that nothing stood out as better than the other wineries we visited.
Denner: I was not familiar with this winery. Bob's friends recommended it. They have a spectacular building on the top of the hill overlooking the vineyards. The wines are all best in class. Theresa 2009 ($30.00)—this is the best Rhone Blanc I have tasted outside of France. 2009 Viognier ($32.00)—true Viognier character, long finish, worth the price. The Ditch Digger 2007 ($50.00)—this is their premium Châteauneuf-du-Pape style wine and it is a winner. Perhaps it is the best red tasted on our tour. Mourvedre 2007 ($42.00) equal to the Tablas Creek Mourvedre, but maybe more food friendly.
