($50; 38% mourvedre, 30% grenache, 26% syrah and 6% counoise) Bright red. Enticing aromas of raspberry, potpourri, licorice and fresh herbs. Lush, broad and sweet but structured, with an exotic candied fruit quality giving this dense, well-constituted wine plenty of early sex appeal. Finishes sweet and spicy, with a fine dusting of tannins and outstanding length. This is already delicious but has the balance to age.

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The 2008 Esprit de Beaucastel flows with sweet dark cherries, flowers, tobacco and spices. It is a beautiful, classically built wine graced with striking inner perfume, lovely mid-palate juiciness and a round, utterly harmonious finish. Well-integrated, silky tannins linger on the close. This is a fabulous wine from Tablas Creek. My sense is that the wine should be tasted upon release and then again only after a number of years in bottle. In 2008 the blend is 38% Mourvedre, 30% Grenache, 26% Syrah and 6% Counoise.

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Offers a complex array of ripe cherry, wild berry and plum, with touches of mineral, presented in a supple, elegant, well-integrated style, with dark red berry flavors forming the core.

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