One of the finest exemplars from the region in recent years.

Among the many wines I’ve enjoyed tasting from Mexico’s Valle de Guadalupe, the Tablas stands out as a bottle that consistently delivers a remarkable experience. I first encountered this wine during a New Year’s Eve fishing trip in 2024, where we paired it with grilled meats. The wine was a hit with my in-laws, and since then, I’ve made it a staple for special occasions. Its balance and drinkability are exceptional, and while it’s not the cheapest bottle on the shelf, it offers a quality that feels far beyond its price point.

Tablas is produced by a relatively young but ambitious winery in the Valle de Guadalupe, a region that has gained international recognition for its unique terroir and Mediterranean-like climate. The winery, founded in the early 2000s, is part of a new wave of Mexican winemakers pushing the boundaries of traditional viticulture in the country. Unlike some of the more established names in the region, Tablas focuses on small-batch production, emphasizing quality over quantity.

The name “Tablas” is derived from the sections, or “tablas,” into which their vineyards are divided. Each “tabla” is assigned a number representing a specific varietal: Tabla 1 for Tempranillo, Tabla 4 for Grenache, and Tabla 5 for Petite Sirah. The meticulous blending of grapes from these sections results in the distinctive character of Tablas wine.

The Valle de Guadalupe, located in Baja California, is often called the “Napa Valley of Mexico.” Its diverse soils, ranging from sandy loam to clay, combined with a climate that features warm days and cool nights, create ideal conditions for growing various grapes. Tablas takes full advantage of this terroir, producing expressive and refined wines.

Making:

The winemaking process at Tablas blends traditional techniques and modern innovation. The grapes are hand-harvested from carefully selected vineyards in the Valle de Guadalupe, ensuring that only the best fruit makes it into the bottle. The winery employs sustainable practices, focusing on organic farming and minimal intervention in the winemaking process.

After harvest, the grapes are meticulously sorted before being gently crushed. Fermentation occurs in stainless steel tanks, where temperature control is crucial to preserving the delicate aromas and flavors of the grapes. The wine is then aged in a combination of French and American oak barrels, which adds complexity and depth without overpowering the natural characteristics of the fruit. Depending on the vintage, the aging process typically lasts between 12 to 18 months, followed by additional bottle aging before release.

Tasting: The Tablas from Valle de Guadalupe is a wine that consistently impresses with its balance and elegance. Here’s a breakdown of its characteristics:

Eye: In the glass, the wine presents a deep ruby-red color with hints of purple at the edges. Its viscosity suggests a full-bodied wine, and the slow, elegant legs indicate a well-structured wine with moderate alcohol content, around 13.5-14%.

Nose: The aromas are inviting, with a bouquet of ripe red fruits like cherries and raspberries, complemented by subtle notes of vanilla and cedar from the oak aging. As the wine opens up, hints of dried herbs and a touch of earthiness emerge, adding complexity to the nose.

Mouth: On the palate, the wine is smooth and well-rounded, with a perfect balance between fruit, acidity, and tannins. The red fruit flavors carry through from the nose, accompanied by spice and a hint of dark chocolate. The finish is long and satisfying, leaving a lingering impression of fruit and subtle oak.

Pairing:

This wine is incredibly versatile when it comes to food pairings. We enjoyed it with grilled meats during my first encounter with it, and it was an excellent match. I’ve since had it with tomato-based pasta sauces and Mexican food like mole poblano. It also pairs beautifully with aged cheeses or a simple charcuterie board. For those with a sweet tooth, it can even stand up to dark chocolate desserts. Sometimes, I’ve even had it on its own!

Here’s a detail sheet: 

Producer: Tablas

Region: Valle de Guadalupe, Baja California, Mexico

Grape Variety: Blend (typically Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Grenache)

Alcohol Content: 13.5-14%

Aging: 12-18 months in French and American oak barrels

Serving Temperature: 16-18°C (60-64°F)

Average Price: $25-30 USD

Production: Small-batch, limited production

Certification: DO Valle de Guadalupe

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Here’s where to buy:
In Mexico, once can find Tablas wines at specialty wine shops and high-end restaurants in major cities like Mexico City, Monterrey, and Guadalajara. They are also available directly from the winery’s website, which offers shipping within Mexico.

In the United States, Tablas wines are available through select importers and online retailers, particularly in states with a strong Mexican wine presence like California, Texas, and Arizona. Websites like Wine.com and local wine shops may carry limited quantities.

Unfortunately, as with many Mexican wines, availability in Europe is scarce, but some specialty wine importers may occasionally stock it.

¡Salud!