In the past I never cared much for Mourvedre as a stand-alone variety, but that was until I tasted this amazing wine. It proves that Mourvedre can be impressive in the hands of the right winemaker and this one is stellar. At Tablas they consider it their “most important red grape” because it is the backbone of their highly respected red-blend Esprit de Beaucastel. Pretty in its blackberries, plums, and earth aromas and flavors, it’s layered with notes of spice, game, minerals, and pretty high notes of violets. It’s a wine any connoisseur must try once, which will definitely make you crave more. Well worth the $40 price tag, and for Tablas’s VINsider members it’s only $32, a deal that makes you want to join the club.
This article appears in Aug 16-23, 2012.