2014 Cass Marsanne
Medium in body, this wine had honey and melon aromas backed up with flavours of apple and a hint of something spicy. With medium acidity and a lovely minerality it is a well balanced wine that was a perfect accompaniment to sitting outside on a warm, sunny afternoon.
Very Good+ (USD $25 at the winery)
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One of the first things you’ll notice when you arrive at Tablas Creek Winery’s tasting room is the directional sign that stands outside the front door. It points to the vineyard itself (9 yds to the left) and then in the opposite direction toward its partner, Domaine de Beaucastel, 9009 km away–a symbolic representation of its partnership with the Perrin Family of the prestigious winery in Châteauneuf-du-Pape. And when you decide to partner with such a respected house to establish a winery on US soil, not only are expectations high, but the inevitable comparisons tend to follow. Robert Haas, importer and founder of Vineyard Brands did just that in 1989 with the Perrin family and the result is Tablas Creek, a winery making impressive wines that more than stand on their own merit.
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“We will be relentless in our pursuit of perfection. We won’t ever be perfect – but in the process we will achieve greatness.” – Vince Lombardi. That quote from the great coach could just as easily have been said by Daniel Daou, winemaker and co-proprietor of Daou Vineyards in Paso Robles, California. Daniel, and his brother Georges, have set out to make the very best wine that can rival the best of Napa or Bordeaux, and Advinetures got to hear their fascinating story first hand when we visited with Daniel at their gorgeous hilltop winery.
2013 Dracaena Cabernet Franc
Medium to dark red in colour, the nose is very fragrant, offering up scents of black currants, and black cherries with nuances of tobacco leaf. The body is medium plus and the tannins are still noticeable at this young age but they are sweet and not astringent or rough. There is a lovely texture to this wine that gives it a soft mouthfeel, punctuated with a very precise and long finish. The fruit dominates the palate at the moment but after another year in bottle the hints of spice should become a bit more noticeable after the fruit settles in, and this will only add to the complexity. 85% Cabernet Franc and 15% Petite Syrah from Westside Ranch in Paso Robles sweetspot, the Adelaida District.
Excellent
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2011 Duckhorn Three Palms Vineyard Merlot
Dark red in colour, it was so dark you could have been fooled into thinking you were drinking a much more full bodied Cabernet Sauvignon rather than Merlot! But don’t let the look of it fool you, this wine is full bodied but not at all overpowering. Lots of red fruits on the nose with a minerality to it that creates a beautiful balance. Drinking well now but still has lots of time to be forgotten in the cellar.
Excellent
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