I learned an interesting lesson last night. Don't age California Viogner. I didn't really do that on purpose, it just so happened that I thought my Tablas Creek Cotes de Tablas Blanc was a 2005 instead of a 2003. Let's just say that when Viogner goes over the hill, it's not a pretty sight (or aroma). It kind of reminded me of really bad watered down bourbon, not that I have tasted really bad watered down bourbon before.
I would say under normal circumstances the Cotes de Tablas Blanc is a very solid wine. Each year I have tasted it has stayed consistently around the B+, A-, because for $22 there aren't too many more California White wines that have the complexity at that price. I guess though that the varietal blend of Viogner, Roussane and Marsanne lacks acidic structure for aging. I hope I don't have any more magnificent gems in my cellar rotting away.
