Tablas Creek "Patelin de Tablas" Red, Paso Robles '24

Few estates have done more to establish Rhône varieties in California than Tablas Creek. Founded in 1989 as a partnership between the Perrin family of Château de Beaucastel and American importer Robert Haas, the estate imported vine cuttings directly from Beaucastel and propagated them in its own nursery. Those vines became the foundation not only of Tablas Creek but of Rhône vineyards throughout California. The estate has also remained at the forefront of responsible farming, becoming the world’s first Regenerative Organic Certified vineyard.

Patelin is French slang for “country neighborhood,” an appropriate name for a wine made primarily from vineyards belonging to Tablas Creek’s neighbors. The 2024 draws upon 12 vineyards across Paso Robles, ranging from the limestone rich soils of the Adelaida District and Templeton Gap to the warmer sandy loams of the Geneseo District. Just 3% comes from the Tablas Creek estate vineyard.

The blend is 49% Syrah, 28% Grenache, 20% Mourvèdre, and 3% Counoise. The varieties were fermented separately with indigenous yeasts in a combination of stainless steel tanks and upright oak fermenters, then blended and aged for six months in large 1,500 gallon oak tanks. The finished wine is just 13% alcohol, a welcome reminder that Paso Robles can produce wines with both depth and freshness. A total of 4,590 cases were produced.

The Syrah provides dark plum, blueberry, spice, and savory depth, while Grenache brings bright red fruit and freshness. Mourvèdre and Counoise add notes of earth, herbs, and gentle structure. This is juicy and approachable, but there is enough minerality, acidity, and savory complexity to make it far more than a simple everyday red. Drink it with pappardelle and pork ragù.