The limited-production (around 540 cases), compelling 2007 Panoplie, is a real connoisseur’s pick. A blend of 60% Mourvedre, 30% Grenache, and 10% Syrah, tipping the scales at 14.5% alcohol, the wine has notes of graphite, camphor, acacia flowers, and black currant as well as hints of blueberry and coffee bean. The wine is very rich, full-bodied, but at the same time, the limestone soils at Tablas Creek seem to impart a definition and structured style that provide uplift to what is a very powerful, rich, full-bodied wine. It should drink well for 15 or more years. Robert Haas, the iconic French wine importer, who was one of the first to bring estate-bottled French wines into the United States, continues to go from strength to strength at Tablas Creek. His partner remains the Perrin family of Chateau Beaucastel in Chateauneuf du Pape. They have had three tiny vintages in a row, all producing very small yields, but the quality of their 2007s is the best in the history of the winery, and 2008 is certainly a strong vintage as well. These are wonderful, food-friendly wines with considerable complexity. While they do some varietal naming, the strength of Tablas Creek is their extraordinary Rhone Ranger blends, whether white or red. The 2009 vintage turned out to be an even smaller crop than 2008 and 2007 as a result of spring frost.Tel. (805) 237-1231; Fax (805) 237-1314