Due to the drought in 2009, Tablas Creek only bottled Roussanne and Grenache Blanc—no varietal Picpoul, Marsanne or Viognier was made. This 2009 Esprit de Beaucastel Blanc, a blend of 62% Roussanne, 26% Grenache Blanc and 12% Picpoul Blanc bottled under cork, has a pretty nose with honeycomb, beeswax, baked peaches and dried tropical fruit notions plus pie crust, dried mushroom, hay, baked quince and apples—what lovely layers! Medium to full-bodied, it's broad in the mouth and savory, still with enough acidity to refresh and a very long, savory finish. This could age a bit more but is drinking well now. - Erin Brooks