Tablas Creek was our next stop.  We’ve visited these folks many times in the past and have always been impressed.  Quoting from the web site, “Tablas Creek is the realization of the combined efforts of two of the international wine community's leading families, the Perrin family, proprietors of Château de Beaucastel, and Robert Haas, founder of Vineyard Brands. They had since the 1970s believed the California climate to be ideal for planting Rhône varietal grapes. In 1987, they began the lengthy process of creating a Châteauneuf-du-Pape style vineyard from scratch in the New World. The Tablas Creek Vineyard Partnership was born, with the Perrin and Haas families as majority partners, and French and American wine loving friends as minority partners.

 …

The partners searched California from the foothills of the Sierras in the north to coastal Ventura County in the south, looking for a close match to the Mediterranean climate and high pH soils of Château de Beaucastel. In 1989, they purchased a 120-acre parcel twelve miles from the Pacific Ocean in west Paso Robles. They named it Tablas Creek Vineyard, after the small creek running through the property.

The property elevation averages 1,500 feet, and the shallow, rocky limestone soils are of the same geologic origin as those at Beaucastel. Summer days are hot and sunny, but the influence of the nearby Pacific cools the nights, and the remarkably Rhône-like Paso Robles climate allows the grapes to mature fully and yet retain crisp acidity.”

M. Perrin brought vines from France including Mourvédre, Grenache Noir, Syrah, Counoise, Roussanne, Viognier, Marsanne, Grenache Blanc and Picpoul Blanc.  As a side note the winery offers vines for sale to the public for $9.95 each.

In any case, Tablas Creek wines are very good.  We always enjoy the Côtes de Tablas Blanc (2007, $25) and the Côtes de Tablas (red, 2006, $25).  The Blanc blends viognier, marsanne, roussanne, and Grenache blanc.  My notes say citrus aromas followed by ripe melon on the palate and a long honey finish.  Nectar!  The red version blends Grenache, syrah, mourvèdre and counoise.  Smoky green pepper nose followed by dark fruit and black pepper.  Both are very drinkable right now and are often available at restaurants.  The two are always an affordable and pleasing choice when dining out.