Paso Robles is one of our most favorite American Viticultural Areas ("AVAs") outside of Willamette Valley (which, as a whole, is our favorite AVA ... we just love those Pinot Noir wines). I have previously noted our love for Paso Robles red wines, when I reviewed wines like the Liberty School Cabernet Sauvignon and San Simeon Petit Sirah. So, when I saw a white wine from Paso Robles, the Tablas Creek Vineyard Patelin de Tablas Blanc (2011), I bought a bottle to try a white wine from an AVA that is more known for its red wines.
The Patelin de Tablas Blanc is produced in a Rhône style, a blend of four grapes that are well established through much of that valley: Grenache Blanc, Viognier, Roussane and Marsanne. The exact breakdown of the grapes in this wine is as follows: 45% Grenache Blanc, 34% Viognier, 18% Roussane and 3% Marsanne.
The more interesting breakdown is the source of the grapes used to produce this wine. The grapes are sourced from nearly a dozen vineyards throughout Paso Robles. The grapes came from the following vineyards: 22% of the grapes (Grenache Blanc) come from Catherine's vineyard; 17% of the grapes (Viognier) come from the Chequera vineyard; 14% of the grapes (Viognier and Roussane) come from the Paso Ridge vineyard; 11% of the grapes (Viognier) come from the Hidden Valley vineyard; 8% of the grapes (Grenache Blanc, Roussane and Marsanne) come from the Edward Sellers vineyard; 6% of the grapes (Viognier) come from the Paso Uno vineyard; 5% of the grapes (Grenache Blanc) come from the Las Vista vineyard; 5% of the grapes (Roussane) come from the Tablas Creek vineyard; 4% of the grapes (Grenache Blanc) come from the Dawson Creek vineyard; 4% of the grapes (Grenache Blanc) come from the Burbank Ranch vineyard; and 4% of the grapes (Grenache Blanc) come from the Briarwood vineyard. That is a lot of grapes from a lot of vineyards.
The Patelin de Tablis Blanc pours a light straw or hay color. The winemakers describe the aroma as having "fruity, floral aromas of honeysuckle, apricot and candied grapefruit." I could get a sense of honeysuckle, or perhaps just honey, along with some nice fruit. As for the taste, the winemakers describe the wine has being full of peach and lemon zest, with a creamy texture and vibrant acids. There was some peach, but maybe my taste buds were a little off that evening, as I sensed more apple and pear than peach or apricot. Regardless, both the aroma and taste of the wine was very good, and the texture was just as described ... creamy with a nice finish.
The winemakers suggest two pairings for this wine: mussels mariniere and fish with fennel. Both of those suggestions are good, but I would also add any grilled seafood, as well as grilled poultry, like chicken.
I found this wine at a local grocery store. A bottle sells for about $15.99.
ENJOY!
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