Tablas Creek’s top red (their version of Beaucastel’s other-worldly Hommage a Jacques Perrin) is the limited production (190 cases) cuvee called Panoplie. From a vineyard planted in limestone soils, the 2002 Panoplie (80% Mourvedre, 13% Grenache, and 7% Counoise) tips the scales at 14.8% alcohol. A black/purple color is accompanied by a huge nose of barbecue spices, blackberries, licorice, earth, pepper, sausage, and tree bark. Full-bodied and structured, with an expansive texture, hints of raspberries and currants persist across the palate with a kiss of licorice as well as kirsch. The long finish lasts for 50 seconds. This stunning offering is a great success. Like all Tablas Creek’s reds, it was bottled without fining or filtration.Tel. 805-237-1231; Fax 805-237-1314