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All Wines from Booker Vineyard
Inventory updated: Fri, Jan 30, 2026 04:02 PM cst
Our vintages of Booker Vineyard wine currently include: 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2020
Flickinger Fine Wines' inventory of Booker Vineyard wine is listed below. We have an excellent and vast assortment of fine wines to choose from. If you do not see what you are looking for, give us a call and we can suggest another Booker Vineyard vintage or even another producer that we are sure you will enjoy.
| Producer |
Vint. |
Wine |
Price |
Qty |
Order |
| | USA Red |
| Booker Vineyard |
2010 |
Alchemist 22 Proprietary Blend  |
$75 |
1 |
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| VM 94-96 (8/2012): In my view, the 2010 Alchemist 22 is the wine that seems to gain the most through the extended time in barrel, as the tannins have an element of polish that isn’t found in the regular bottling. Perfumed aromatics are woven throughout an expressive core of dark red fruit, licorice, tar and mint. The overall impression is one of seamless beauty and tons of promise. This is a fabulous showing from Booker and proprietor Eric Jensen. Antonio Galloni. |
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2014 |
Estate 24 Proprietary Blend |
$59 |
1 |
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| WA 94-96 (8/2016): The 2014 Estate Ext 24 is the, you guessed it, the extended aged version of the Estate cuvee. This was previously called the Alchemist and in 2014 is made from 51% Tempranillo, 28% Syrah, 13% Petit Verdot and 8% Grenache. Getting a few expletives in my rough notes, this beauty sports a deep purple color as well as thrilling aromatics, full-bodied richness, building, firm tannin and straight up awesome purity. The Tempranillo structure is front and center, so I suspect short term cellaring will be the name of the game. |
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2013 |
Estate Proprietary Blend |
$75 |
1 |
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WA 96 (8/2015): Formerly labeled as the Alchemist, the 2013 Booker Estate is 84% Syrah, 11% Tempranillo and the rest a splash of Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot. Inky colored, deep, savory and spicy, with the Tempranillo front and center at the moment, it offers lots of dark fruits, truffle, dried spice and meaty aromatics, full-bodied richness and enough tannic grip to warrant another year or two in bottle.
VM 94 (9/2015): Bright purple. Deeply perfumed, complex bouquet of dried cherry, licorice, potpourri and smoky minerals, with a subtle note of raw meat. Very sweet and creamy on the palate, offering intense black and blue fruit flavors that gain depth and spiciness with air. Picks up notes of candied flowers and vanilla on the back end, finishing with superb energy, suave tannins and lingering sweetness. Josh Raynolds. |
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2014 |
Estate Proprietary Blend |
$75 |
1 |
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| WA 94 (8/2016): Tasted out of bottle and a blend of 51% Tempranillo, 28% Syrah, 13% Petit Verdot and 8% Grenache, the 2014 Booker Estate is about as silky and seamless as they get. Sporting a vibrant purple/ruby color and vibrant notes of creme de cassis, jammy blackberries, melted licorice, spice and toasty oak, this full-bodied red glides across the palate with no weight, beautiful purity and shows building, chalky tannin on the palate. Drink this impeccably made Paso Robles beauty anytime over the coming 7-8 years. |
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2013 |
Fracture 24 Syrah |
$99 |
1 |
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| WA 100 (8/2016): The deep ruby/purple colored 2013 Fracture EXT (100% Syrah aged 24 months in barrel) is a heavenly beauty that marries a rare mix of incredible richness and power with a graceful, lively, weightlessness that needs to be tasted to be believed. Giving up phenomenal notes of creme de cassis, jammy blackberries, licorice, toasted spice and liquid violets, this insanely pure Syrah offers full-bodied richness, an unctuous, seamless, sexy texture, sweet tannin and a killer finish. It's the greatest Syrah I've tasted from Paso Robles, and while it's already hard to resist, it should keep easily through 2026. |
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2009 |
Fracture Syrah |
$59 |
1 |
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JD 96 (12/2011): One of the more structured vintages for this cuvee, the 100% Syrah, 2009 Booker Vineyard Syrah Fracture boasts smoking good aromatics of blackberry liqueur, smoked meats, solid minerality, and complex underbrush and floral nuances the show more with air. Full-bodied and seriously fruited and textured, yet with awesome focus, notable purity, and solid underlying tannin and structure, this knockout Paso Syrah needs a year or two of bottle age, and should drink brilliantly for upwards of a decade. I followed this bottle for 2 days and while it is certainly a big wine, it is no fruit bomb and has real depth and structure.
WA 94 (8/2011): The 2009 Fracture (Syrah) is super-ripe and boisterous in its blackberries, blueberries, creme de cassis and sweet spices. It shows striking inner perfume, layers of radiant fruit and a positively explosive finish punctuated with tar, smoke and a host of dark aromas and flavors. Simply put, this is a striking wine. The 2009 Fracture saw 80% new barrels. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2019.
VM 94 (8/2011): The 2009 Fracture (Syrah) is super-ripe and boisterous in its blackberries, blueberries, creme de cassis and sweet spices. It shows striking inner perfume, layers of radiant fruit and a positively explosive finish punctuated with tar, smoke and a host of dark aromas and flavors. Simply put, this is a striking wine. Antonio Galloni.
JS 94 (11/2011): Gorgeous aromas of dark berries with blackberry and blueberry; hints of flowers too. Full and rich with wonderful cocoa, coffee and blackberries. Intensely long. So much going on here. Seductive. One or two years more before striking.
WS 93 (2/2012): Dense and intense, this is marked by a complex range of flavors accented by a minty edge. A muscle-bound youngster, with vivid blackberry, wild berry, spice and tobacco notes, remaining tightly wound yet holding onto a tight focus. Best from 2013 through 2023. 375 cases made. |
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2010 |
Fracture Syrah |
$89 |
3 |
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VM 95-97 (8/2012): The 2010 Fracture (Syrah) shows off gorgeous purity and finesse in its rich dark fruit. This is a decidedly overt, flashy wine, yet it also possesses stunning aromatics and impeccable, world-class balance. Layers of fruit built to the huge, opulent finish. I can hardly wait to taste this from bottle. In 2010, 100% of the fruit was de stemmed. Antonio Galloni.
JD 94-97 (6/2012): Not yet bottled and tasted out of barrel, the 2010 Booker Vineyard Syrah Fracture is possibly the most impressive vintage of this to date. A blend of 100% Syrah that’s aged all in French oak, it delivers a stunning bouquet of smoked black fruits, toast, chocolate, roasted meats, and crushed flowers that gives way to a full-bodied, structured, and elegantly put together palate. Chewy, ripe tannin frames the finish beautifully, and this is impressive. It should benefit from short term cellaring on release, and have a fairly broad drink window. |
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2011 |
Fracture Syrah |
$89 |
1 |
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WA 97 (8/2013): Up there with the best of the vintage, the 2011 The Fracture is ethereal stuff that’s made with the goal to be the most ready to drink of the lineup. I’m not sure if that goal is met or not, but I can say the wine is utterly brilliant. Seeing only 5-10% stem inclusion, it delivers rocking aromas of cassis, black raspberry, hints of roasted herbs, licorice and chocolate that give way to a medium to full-bodied, seamless and textured effort that has both elegance and deep, layered fruit and richness. Hard to resist and a joy to drink, it nevertheless has the balance and depth to evolve gracefully through 2021. Drink 2015-2021.
VM 95 (7/2013): The 2011 Fracture, 100% Syrah, is one of the deepest and richest of these 2011s. A plush, highly expressive mid-palate opens to reveal layers of dark fruit, leather, licorice and melted road tar. The 2011 is endowed with considerable aromatic depth and pure richness. Eric Jensen aged the 2011 in Hermitage and Francois Freres barrels, 50% new.
JS 94 (11/2011): Gorgeous aromas of dark berries with blackberry and blueberry; hints of flowers too. Full and rich with wonderful cocoa, coffee and blackberries. Intensely long. So much going on here. Seductive. One or two years more before striking.
VM 94 (12/2013): (100% syrah and 15% alcohol, the highest in the Booker set this vintage): Inky purple. Pungent, smoke-accented aromas of black raspberry, olive tapenade and floral oils. Very syrah. Lush and complex on the palate, offering potent flavors of cherry-cola, blackberry, violet pastille and star anise. Rich but surprisingly lively syrah, with powerful closing punch and gently chewy, harmonious tannins.
WS 88 (12/2014): Ruggedly tannic and dry, with damp earth flavors woven amid the chewy dark berry, roasted coffee and black licorice nuances. Ends with gripping tannins and less flesh than is typical for a Booker. Drink now through 2024. 725 cases made. |
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2012 |
Fracture Syrah |
$89 |
2 |
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| WA 96 (8/2014): There are roughly 293 cases of the 2012 Fracture to go around, and it checks in as a blend of 100% Syrah that was aged 18 months in French oak. A big, rich and decadent effort, it’s another spectacular effort from this estate that does everything right. Creme de cassis, chocolate, spice-box, graphite and ground pepper all come together beautifully here, and this beauty has a forward, supple and full-bodied style that’s hard to resist. More elegant and open than past vintages, I’d drink bottles over the coming 4-5 years, but it will evolve for longer. |
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2013 |
Fracture Syrah |
$99 |
1 |
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WA 99 (8/2015): The 2013 Fracture is an utterly sensational blend of 100% Syrah, all from the estate Booker Vineyard, that exhibits off-the-chart notes of creme de cassis, crushed flowers, licorice, vanilla bean and toasted spice. Possessing perfect integration of its fruit, alcohol, tannin and acidity, it's full-bodied and incredibly seamless, with terrific concentration, a full, layered mid-palate and a blockbuster finish. Paso Robles Syrah at its finest, this incredible wine will benefit from a year or two in the cellar, yet thrill through 2025. Hats off to Eric Jensen for this absolutely killer effort and readers who doubt the quality of wine coming from these rolling hills west of Paso Robles need to try this wine.
WS 94 (12/2015): (WS #68 wine of 2015) Bold and downright flamboyant, this manages to stay balanced and focused. Floral aromas of boysenberry, raspberry and roasted coffee open to rich, complex flavors that focus on licorice, smoky pepper beef and loamy mineral. Drink now through 2026. 1,000 cases made.
VM 93 (9/2015): Brilliant purple. Sexy, focused mineral- and smoke-accented dark fruit liqueur and potpourri scents are complemented by suggestions of anise and cola. Sweet, seamless and spicy on the palate, with intense boysenberry and cherry-cola flavors becoming livelier with aeration. Really stains the palate and finishes sappy and very long, with smooth tannins. Josh Raynolds. |
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2014 |
Fracture Syrah |
$85 |
1 |
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| VM 95 (9/2016): Dark purple. A heady, assertively perfumed bouquet evokes ripe black and blue fruits, sandalwood, Indian spices and smoky minerals, and a suave floral pastille topnote builds in the glass. Deeply concentrated yet lively blackberry and boysenberry flavors unfold slowly, picking up allspice, black cardamom and cola nuances on the back half. Shows Outstanding clarity and power on the sweet, supple finish, which is given shape by smooth, steadily building tannins. I've no doubt that this wine will reward patience, but it's awfully delicious right now. Josh Raynolds. |
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2015 |
Fracture Syrah |
$95 |
2 |
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WA 97 (9/2017): “I want my softest, most textured, rounded Syrah with density and gentle tannins to go into this label,” winemaker Eric Jensen informed me. Produced from 100% Syrah, the medium to deep garnet-purple colored 2015 Fracture has a vibrant nose of crushed red currants and black cherries with hints of bay leaves, cloves, aniseed and forest floor, plus a touch of roses. Full-bodied and beautifully structured, it has a lively backbone supporting the dynamic fruit, finishing with a beautiful herbal lift.
JD 96 (8/2017): Leading off the 2015s, the 2015 Fracture is 100% Syrah that was brought up mostly in new barrels. It’s a classic, elegant Paso Syrah that delivers loads of black raspberries, cassis, toasted spices and crushed flower-like aromas and flavors. A more elegant, streamlined example of this cuvee, it shows the freshness of the vintage, supple tannin and a charming, elegant style that’s a dream to drink. It is already approachable, yet will still be better with another year or two in bottle. |
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2016 |
Fracture Syrah |
$89 |
2 |
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| JD 98 (11/2018): The base 2016 Fracture is another flat-out awesome wine from Jenson that has everything you could want from a Syrah grown on limestone soils on the west side of Paso Robles. Made from 100% Syrah aged in 70% new French oak, it offers a huge nose of blackcurrants, toasty oak, espresso, smoke tobacco, and crushed flowers. Deep, massively concentrated, and textured, it still glides across the palate with thrilling purity of fruit and has a great, great finish. Eric Jensen’s Booker Vineyards continues to make a ripe, sexy, pedal-to-the-metal syle of wine and these latest 2016s don’t disappoint. |
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2013 |
Fulldraw Proprietary Blend |
$69 |
1 |
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| WA 93-95 (8/2014): A new cuvee, the 2013 Fulldraw is a GSM blend of 48% Syrah, 35% Grenache and 17% Mourvedre. While it’s from young vines, you wouldn’t know it by tasting it, and it has a serious, mineral-laced profile to go with full-bodied, richness, incredible purity and lots of finely polished tannin. It should easily be an Outstanding wine and thrill for 5-8 years. |
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2014 |
Fulldraw Proprietary Blend |
$75 |
1 |
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WA 95 (8/2016): First made last year, the 2014 Fulldraw checks in as a mix of 46% Syrah, 33% Grenache and 21% Mourvedre that was raised mostly in barrel. Its inky purple color is followed by a rockin', sweet, layered bouquet of creme de cassis, black plums, vanilla bean, licorice and cured meats. A classic Paso Robles GSM blend, with full-bodied richness, no hard edges, tons of sweet fruit and beautiful purity, it benefits from a decant and will shine for upwards of a decade.
VM 94 (9/2016): Bright violet. Ripe red and blue fruits, candied lavender, incense and a hint of spicecake on the highly fragrant nose. Juicy and focused on the palate, offering intense black currant and bitter cherry flavors that deepen and become sweeter with air. Shows impressive depth and vivacity, with no rough edges. The spice and floral notes come back strong on the strikingly persistent, seamless finish, which features smooth, harmonious tannins and a lingering suggestion of sappy red fruit. Josh Raynolds. |
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2015 |
Fulldraw Proprietary Blend |
$79 |
1 |
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JD 96 (8/2017): The 2015 Fulldraw comes from a site located just beside Jensen’s estate Booker Vineyard and is 50% Grenache, 30% Mourvèdre and 20% Syrah. It has a gorgeous, Châteauneuf du Pape-like (it reminds me of Domaine de Marcoux’s Vieilles Vignes cuvée) perfume of red and black fruits, spice-box, incense, fennel and cured meats. Ethereally textured and elegant, yet also ripe, powerful and concentrated, it has ripe tannin, it’s an incredible wine that builds with time in the glass. While beautiful today, it will be even better with short term cellaring and keep through 2027.
WA 95 (9/2017): A blend of 50% Grenache, 30% Mourvèdre and 20% Syrah, the 2015 Fulldraw has a medium to deep garnet-purple color and opens with black and blue fruit notes of blackberries and blueberries with suggestions of licorice, tree bark and black soil, plus a waft of lavender. The medium to full-bodied palate has bags of elegance, with restrained, understated beauty and wonderful freshness, finishing long with velvety tannins supporting the perfumed fruit. |
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2016 |
Fulldraw Proprietary Blend |
$55 |
2 |
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| JD 93+ (11/2018): The last vintage of this cuvée as these grapes will be moved into the Oublie cuvée, the 2016 Fulldraw Vineyard offers serious Syrah notes (I don’t know the blend) in its chocolate, jammy blackberry, licorice, and crushed rock aromas and flavors. This is a big, rich, brooding red that packs serious amounts of fruit and texture without ever going over the top. Eric Jensen’s Booker Vineyards continues to make a ripe, sexy, pedal-to-the-metal syle of wine and these latest 2016s don’t disappoint. |
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2015 |
Jada Vyd. Rhone Blend |
$69 |
1 |
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| WA 94-96 (8/2016): From a hillside vineyard just off of Vineyard Drive road (near Denner) that has lots of clay soils (so more water retention and better canopy development, which is very different from Booker Vineyard), the 2015 Jada Vineyard checks in as a mix of 55% Syrah and 45% Grenache that saw 25% stems and aging all in barrel. Full-bodied, rich, unctuous and downright sexy, with lots of jammy blackberry, cassis, roasted herbs and melted licorice (there are some floral notes hiding in there as well), it's another stacked red from Jensen that readers shouldn't miss. |
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2010 |
My Favorite Neighbor Proprietary Blend |
$55 |
1 |
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WA 94-96 (8/2012): Booker’s 2010 My Favorite Neighbor bursts from the glass with a heady array of blueberries, dark cherries, spices, violets, mint and licorice. The 2010 stands out for its huge fruit and impeccable balance. Proprietor Eric Jensen planned to give the wine a full 24 months in oak. This is another compelling wine full of promise. The blend is 44% Cabernet Sauvignon, 33% Petit Verdot and 23% Syrah. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2018.
VM 92 (12/2012): (made from 44% cabernet sauvignon, 33% petit verdot and 23% syrah): Bright purple. Spicy cherry, cassis and blueberry aromas are brightened by cracked pepper and rose, with a slow-building vanilla note adding sweetness. Pliant, deeply concentrated dark berry flavors show very good precision and energy, with an exotic building floral pastille note adding vibrancy. Shows impressive power on the finish, which offers a bitter cherry pit character and noteworthy persistence.
WS 92 (3/2013): Rich, gutsy and structured, with a firm mix of earthy tannins, road tar, dried dark berry, sage and cedar, showing strong character. Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot and Syrah. Drink now through 2022. 193 cases made. |
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2011 |
My Favorite Neighbor Proprietary Blend |
$53 |
1 |
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WA 95 (8/2013): Holding things slightly closer to the vest, the 2011 My Favorite Neighbor (46% Syrah, 40% Petit Verdot and 14% Cabernet Sauvignon) has full-bodied richness and power to go with classic aromas and flavors of cassis, wild herbs, tobacco and cedar. The Cabernet and Petit Verdot really show here, with the Syrah component adding more plushness on the palate. Firming up nicely on the finish, with ripe, yet notable tannin, this serious 2011 should be given another 2-3 years in the cellar. While it will be hard to resist in its youth, I wouldn’t be surprised to see this drinking nicely at age 15 and beyond. Drink 2015-2026.
VM 95 (7/2013): The 2011 My Favorite Neighbor is one of the many highlights at Booker this year. Explosive, full-bodied and opulent, the 2011 captures the generous, resonant warmth that is so typical of Paso Robles while at the same time retaining gorgeous balance and proportion. There is so much to like here. What a gorgeous wine! The blend is 46% Syrah, 40% Petit Verdot, and 14% Cabernet Sauvignon.
VM 91+ (12/2013): (46% syrah, 40% petit verdot and 14% cabernet sauvignon): Inky purple. Deeply pitched black and blue fruit scents are lifted by zesty Asian spice and floral nuances. Ripe and fleshy, offering expansive cassis, blueberry and bitter chocolate flavors and a touch of candied licorice. Closes with firm, youthful tannins, lingering smokiness and a hint of black pepper. The most brooding wine in the Booker lineup this year and the only one that I'd insist on stashing away for another few years. |
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2013 |
My Favorite Neighbor Proprietary Blend |
$169 |
1 |
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| WA 99 (8/2015): A candidate for the wine of the vintage, the inky colored 2013 My Favorite Neighbor Proprietary Blend is a heavenly blend of 37% Cabernet Sauvignon, 34% Petit Verdot and 29% Syrah that spent 18 months in French oak. Thrillingly pure, layered, unctuous and massively concentrated, it exhibits classic notes of blueberries, violets, black raspberries, spice and graphite. These give way to a full-bodied, seamless and layered 2013 that has building tannin, incredible purity of fruit and a blockbuster finish. Give it a year or two and enjoy bottles through 2025. |
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2014 |
My Favorite Neighbor Proprietary Blend |
$69 |
1 |
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| WA 97-99 (8/2016): Hold onto your hats with this one, the 2014 My Favorite Neighbor Proprietary Blend will see 24 months in barrel, and there will only be a single cuvee in 2014. This insanely good barrel sample gives up serious, inky, yet pure notes of violets, licorice, black raspberries, creme de cassis and graphite to go with building tannin, a stacked mid-palate and blockbuster length. I'd like to have a case of it in the cellar. |
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2012 |
Oublie 24 Proprietary Blend Cracked Wax Capsule |
$99 |
1 |
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WA 93-95 (8/2014): Slightly more savory and rich than the straight Oublie release, the 2012 Oublie 24 gives up more bouquet garni, black fruits and ground herbs to go with a full-bodied, fabulously concentrated feel on the palate. It too has a southern Rhone-like feel and should drink nicely on release and evolve gracefully for 7-8 years.
VM 92-94 (7/2014): Dark red cherry, plum, smoke, mint, tobacco and cedar are some of the many notes that blossom in the 2012 Oublie 24. Pliant, expressive and nuanced, the 2012 is above all else a wine of pure silkiness. There is a lot to like here. Next to the straight Oublie, the 24 is a bit more seamless, vibrant and perfumed. |
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2013 |
Oublie 24 Proprietary Blend |
$99 |
1 |
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| WA 94 (8/2016): Checking in as a blend of 46% Grenache, 34% Mourvèdre and 20% Counoise that spent 24 months in barrel, the 2013 Oublie 24 offers an open, sexy style in its mulled red fruits, dried flowers, spice and dried soil aromas and flavors. Sporting a semi translucent ruby color, this full-bodied beauty has no hard edges, a beautiful core of sweet fruit, and an endearing hard to resist personality that will drink well for 5-7 years. |
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2009 |
Oublie Proprietary Blend |
$65 |
2 |
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JD 93 (12/2011): Possibly the most restrained of the lineup, the 2009 Booker Vineyard Oublie ("The Forgotten One") is a blend of 34% Grenache, 33% Counoise, and 33% Mourvedre that shows deep, earthy aromas of brambly black and blue fruits, toasted spice, asphalt, and licorice on the nose. Beautifully complex, with an almost Zinfandel like spice and bramble streak, this full-bodied, pure, and decadently textured red has beautiful freshness and focus, and a long, clean finish. There's solid ripeness here, but this grows on you and keeps you coming back for another glass. It will continue to shine for another 5-8 years easily.
VM 92 (11/2011): Vivid ruby. Red and dark berry aromas show impressive clarity, with notes of licorice, lavender and rose contributing complexity. Big and densely packed but light on its feet, offering intense raspberry, boysenberry and spice flavors. Juicy and precise on the finish, which clings with excellent tenacity. This wine's marriage of power and vivacity is impressive. Josh Raynolds.
WA 92 (8/2011): The 2009 Oublie is an unusual blend of equal parts Counoise, Grenache and Mourvedre. It is a gorgeous, sensual wine laced with ripe red fruit, dried herbs, flowers and spices. The layered, refined finish is especially beautiful. To be released in 2012. |
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2010 |
Oublie Proprietary Blend |
$62 |
1 |
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| WA 94 (8/2012): The 2010 Oublie opens with exquisite aromatics. Dark cherries, incense, exotic spices, flowers and mint are beautifully layered in this delineated, striking wine. A gorgeous, totally refined finish elevates the Oublie to a rarified level. The blend is 43% Syrah, 26% Mourvedre, 16% Counoise and 15% Grenache, with about 30% whole clusters used in vinification. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2018. |
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2011 |
Oublie Proprietary Blend |
$55 |
1 |
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| WA 94 (8/2103): Also more finesse oriented than normal, the 2011 Oublie is a great blend of 38% Syrah, 23% Counoise, 20% Mourvedre and the balance Grenache. Spending 16 months in barrel, it gives up big bing cherry, licorice, pepper and complex underbrush-like qualities to go with a medium to full-bodied, seamless mouthfeel that stays remarkably well- focused and precise. Beautiful stuff that offers both richness and freshness, it will age gracefully for over a decade. Drink 2014-2021. |
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2012 |
Oublie Proprietary Blend |
$85 |
2 |
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| WA 96 (8/2014): There are roughly 293 cases of the 2012 Fracture to go around, and it checks in as a blend of 100% Syrah that was aged 18 months in French oak. A big, rich and decadent effort, it’s another spectacular effort from this estate that does everything right. Creme de cassis, chocolate, spice-box, graphite and ground pepper all come together beautifully here, and this beauty has a forward, supple and full-bodied style that’s hard to resist. More elegant and open than past vintages, I’d drink bottles over the coming 4-5 years, but it will evolve for longer. |
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2013 |
Oublie Proprietary Blend |
$74 |
1 |
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WA 94 (8/2015): The ruby/semi-opaque colored 2013 Oublie is a sensational blend of 46% Grenache, 34% Mourvedre and 20% Counoise that offers a seamless, layered and complex array of blueberry, black raspberry, dried flowers, vanilla bean and spice on the nose. Pure silk on the palate, with full-bodied richness and no hard edges, this impeccably balanced red has a full, layered mid-palate, sweet tannin and a terrific finish. One of those wines where the bottle's empty before you know it, drink this beauty over the coming 5-8 years.
VM 92 (9/2015): Opaque ruby. Highly perfumed red and dark berry scents, along with a smoky mineral quality and a hint of lavender. Spicy black raspberry and cherry-cola flavors become fleshier with air, picking up an exotic touch of floral pastille. Maintains good focus and energy through a long, gently tannic finish, with the floral note echoing. Josh Raynolds. |
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2014 |
Oublie Proprietary Blend |
$74 |
1 |
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| VM 93 (9/2016): Deep ruby. Intensely perfumed cherry compote, licorice and spicecake aromas open up with air and pick up suggestions of floral pastilles and smoky minerals. Stains the palate with lively, spice-tinged black raspberry and bitter cherry flavors lifted by a vibrant mineral element. At once concentrated and lithe, finishing with powerful thrust, youthful tannins and very persistent spice and mineral qualities. Josh Raynolds. |
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2015 |
Oublie Proprietary Blend |
$65 |
2 |
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WA 94 (9/2017): Composed of 38% Mourvèdre, 30% Grenache, 23% Syrah and 9% Counoise, the 2015 Oublie has a medium garnet-purple color and earth-scented nose of tar, sautéed herbs and fertile loam with a core of red currants, cranberry sauce and warm blackberries, plus a touch of bay leaves. Full-bodied and beautifully poised in the mouth, the muscular fruit is nicely matched by a firm, chewy backbone and it finishes with persistent earth and herbal layers.
JD 94 (8/2017): The 2015 Oublie checks in as a Mourvèdre heavy blend of 38% Mourvèdre, 30% Grenache, 23% Syrah and 9% Counoise. Its deep ruby, yet translucent color is followed by an exotic bouquet of spiced plums, white pepper, menthol and pepper meat. The Mourvèdre really shines here, and it’s full-bodied, rich and concentrated, with savory tannin and powerful, yet light texture. This wine shows the more forward, supple style of the vintage, yet will have a broad drink window given its overall balance. |
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2016 |
Oublie Proprietary Blend |
$79 |
1 |
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| JD 96 (11/2018): The 2016 Oublie offers exotic notes of ripe blueberries, crushed violets, peppery spice, and blood orange in its full-bodied, beautifully pure, elegant profile. It has ripe tannins, good acidity, and is an undeniably beautiful wine. A blend of Grenache and Mourvèdre that saw plenty of stems, drink this sexy red any time over the coming 7-8 years. Eric Jensen’s Booker Vineyards continues to make a ripe, sexy, pedal-to-the-metal syle of wine and these latest 2016s don’t disappoint. |
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2020 |
Perl Syrah |
$59 |
1 |
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JD 92 (8/2023): Bottled late, the 2020 Perl is based on 91% Syrah and 9% Grenache that spent 24 months in 50% new oak. Coming from sourced fruit on the west side of Paso, it has a richer, medium to full-bodied style that brings plenty of darker berry fruits, some graphite and iron notes, some firmer, chalky tannins, and a good finish. It's well done and enjoyable.
VM 90 (5/2023): Dark and brooding in the glass, the 2020 Perl opens with savory herbs, ashen stone and black currants. It's soft-textured with crisp minerality and soothingly ripe dark fruits. The 2020 finishes with tension, lightly tannic and a salted licorice note. This is the first vintage of Perl, a blend of 91% Syrah and 9% Grenache from mostly sourced fruit. Eric Guido. |
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2012 |
Remnant 24 Proprietary Blend |
$75 |
1 |
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WA 94-96 (8/2014): Still in barrel, the 2012 Remnant 24 (identical blend to the regular release) will see 24 months in oak before bottling. It’s also worth noting that since there was no My Favorite Neighbor produced in 2012, this cuvee received all of the grapes that would normally go into that cuvee. While billed as a catch-all blend, it tastes like anyone else’s top wine and offers loads of sweet black fruits, damp underbrush, chocolate and roasted herbs to go with a full-bodied, rich, layered and downright sexy profile. There’s no shortage of tannin here either, so a year of cellaring is recommended. It will have 10-15 years of longevity, but bottles wouldn’t last that long at my house.
WS 88 (7/2015): A touch earthy and gamy, dry and tannic, with red and dark berry flavors filling in the gaps and making this more complete. Tempranillo, Petit Verdot, Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon. Drink now through 2024. 620 cases made. |
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2010 |
Remnant Proprietary Blend |
$69 |
1 |
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WA 96 (8/2012): The 2010 Remnant is gorgeous and utterly refined from the very first taste. Dark red cherries plums, licorice, incense, mint and spices are some of the many notes that jump from the glass in this delineated, fragrant red. The appropriately named Remnant is 60% Syrah, 20% Tempranillo, 11% Mourvèdre, 5% Grenache and 4% Counoise, all what Jensen calls 'super-press juice,' which is the part of the press many winemakers don't even use in their final blends. In other words, Remnant is essentially a wine made from leftovers. Frankly, this a bit of a miracle in the glass, but everything works together beautifully. That can only mean that Booker is a great site, and Eric Jensen knows how to coax the very best from his vines.
VM 93 (11/2012): Dark purple. Powerful aromas of candied dark berries, licorice and mocha, with smoke and allspice nuances that build with air. Lush and expansive, offering ripe black and blue fruit flavors lifted by gentle acidity. Closes sweet, supple and very long, with pliant tannins and resonating spiciness. Josh Raynolds.
JD 93 (6/2012): Even more structured and firm, the 2010 Booker Vineyard Remnant is a blend of 60% Syrah, 20% Tempranillo, 11% Mourvedre, 5% Grenache, and 4% Counoise that contains a touch of press wine, and was fermented with 50% whole cluster and aged all in neutral oak for 16 months. Very masculine and edgy, with aromas of blackberry and currant fruit intermixed with dark chocolate, pan drippings, and bloody meat, this full-bodied blend is savory, chewy, and concentrated on the palate. The edgy quality of the Tempranillo really shows in the tannin structure and this will benefit from 1-2 years (or more) of bottle age, and have an interesting evolution. |
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2011 |
Remnant Proprietary Blend |
$65 |
2 |
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WA 94 (8/2013): Also superb, the 2011 Remnant (formerly known as the Alchemist) is a kitchen sink blend of 55% Syrah, 14% Tempranillo, 11% Petit Verdot, 10% Grenache and 10% Mourvedre that saw 20% new French oak, 40% once-used barrels and the balance neutral oak. It’s a savory, complex 2011 that offers up plenty of spice, toast and cedar that’s balanced by a core of sweet black raspberry fruit that emerges with time in the glass. Medium to full-bodied, balanced and beautifully textured, this totally compelling red has fine tannin, serious richness and depth, and an overall classy profile. It will have upwards of a decade of longevity. Drink 2014-2021.
VM 94 (7/2013): The 2011 Remnant is gorgeous. Pomegranate, orange peel, cloves, menthol and licorice all add shades of exotic complexity as this full-bodied, explosive wine opens up in the glass. The style is surprisingly soft and voluptuous for the year. Many producers in California eschew press juice in their blends. Eric Jensen, on he other hand, decided to bottle all of that juice, giving birth to the appropriately and colorfully named Remnant. In 2011, Remnant is 55% Syrah, 14% Tempranillo, 11% Petit Verdot, 10% Grenache and 10% Mourvedre. Antonio Galloni.
WS 86 (7/2014): Stubbornly tannic, dry, extracted and chewy, with reticent pepper, dried dark berry and cedary notes. Syrah, Tempranillo, Petit Verdot, Grenache and Mourvèdre. Best from 2015 through 2023. 700 cases made. |
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2010 |
Ripper Grenache |
$99 |
1 |
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| WA 97+ (8/2012): I was blown away by the 2010 Ripper, a 100% Grenache done in concrete for the first time. It boasts captivating aromatic complexity, layers of sweet, refined fruit and fabulous overall balance. Vivid red fruit, flowers, mint and spices linger on the sublime finish. The Ripper boasts extraordinary varietal expression. Making pure Grenache in Paso Robles is not easy, but this is a model of what can be achieved here. Although impeccably restrained, the sheer glycerin and richness are pure California. The 2010 Ripper is a modern-day classic from Booker and proprietor Eric Jensen. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2018. |
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2011 |
Ripper Grenache |
$89 |
1 |
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WA 96+ (8/2013): Starting out the tasting and absolutely rocking, the 2011 The Ripper checks in as a blend of 100% Grenache that was brought up in equal parts concrete and neutral barrel. Offering up layers of kirsch, dried underbrush, white pepper and hints of spring flowers, it flows onto the palate with a medium to full-bodied, vibrant profile that gains richness and depth with air. Leaning towards the more focused, elegant side of the spectrum, this beauty doesn’t lack for texture or length. Give it a year or three and enjoy through 2023. It’s superb and well worth the effort to track down. Drink 2015-2023.
VM 94 (7/2013): Eric Jensen has done a fabulous job with the 2011 Ripper, no easy feat after the iconic 2010. Expressive floral notes, mint, spices and kirsch all lift out of the glass. The freshness and crystalline purity of the year come through in spades. Jensen aged the 2011 70% in cement and 30% in neutral oak, an approach that worked beautifully. Over the last few years, Ripper has established itself as one of the most distinctive Grenaches in California.
VM 93 (12/2013): (100% grenache and 14.6% alcohol): Deep ruby. Spicy black raspberry and cherry compote on the highly perfumed nose, with zesty mineral and spice notes adding vibrancy. Deeply pitched but lively red fruit flavors show excellent clarity and sweetness, with a jolt of tangy acidity adding spine. The sappy, broad finish is shaped by smooth and harmonious tannins. This wine was raised entirely in used demi-muids.
WS 88 (7/2014): Offers ripe, rich dark berry, graphite and savory herb flavors. Supple midpalate, this ends with touches of cola and violet. Clean and snappy. Drink now through 2022. 725 cases made. |
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2012 |
Ripper Grenache |
$79 |
1 |
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WA 96 (8/2014): The 2012 The Ripper (always 100% Grenache), which checks in at 13.6% alcohol, is a fabulous effort that was brought up all in neutral 500-liter French oak barrels. Loaded with notions of kirsch, dried flowers, rose petal and underbrush, it’s about as seamless and elegant as this cuvee gets, yet it’s still no lightweight and has full-bodied richness and depth. Showing plenty of fine tannin on the finish, it is hard to resist now, but should have a solid 10-12 year drink window.
VM 94 (7/2014): A dark, voluptuous wine, the 2012 Ripper bursts from the glass with dark red and black stone fruits, spices, new leather and menthol flesh out in the glass. In 2012, the Ripper is much darker and riper than normal, with less varietal character than has been the case of late. In 2012, Eric Jensen managed the canopies to get as much hang time as possible, which resulted in extended hang time and a harvest that was about three weeks later than normal. Personally, I have enjoyed Booker's Ripper most when the Grenache characteristics are emphasized to a greater degree. The 2012 was done entirely in neutral 500 liter barrels. |
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2012 |
Ripper Grenache |
$79.20 |
1 |
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WA 96 (8/2014): The 2012 The Ripper (always 100% Grenache), which checks in at 13.6% alcohol, is a fabulous effort that was brought up all in neutral 500-liter French oak barrels. Loaded with notions of kirsch, dried flowers, rose petal and underbrush, it’s about as seamless and elegant as this cuvee gets, yet it’s still no lightweight and has full-bodied richness and depth. Showing plenty of fine tannin on the finish, it is hard to resist now, but should have a solid 10-12 year drink window.
VM 94 (7/2014): A dark, voluptuous wine, the 2012 Ripper bursts from the glass with dark red and black stone fruits, spices, new leather and menthol flesh out in the glass. In 2012, the Ripper is much darker and riper than normal, with less varietal character than has been the case of late. In 2012, Eric Jensen managed the canopies to get as much hang time as possible, which resulted in extended hang time and a harvest that was about three weeks later than normal. Personally, I have enjoyed Booker's Ripper most when the Grenache characteristics are emphasized to a greater degree. The 2012 was done entirely in neutral 500 liter barrels. |
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2013 |
Ripper Grenache |
$85 |
3 |
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| WA 95-98 (8/2014): There should be 466 cases of the 2013 The Ripper to go around. Made from 100% Grenache and aged in neutral oak, it offers off-the-hook aromas and flavors (kirsch, violets and dusty minerality), full-bodied richness and building tannin. It’s has both a decadent and yet elegant style, and should benefit from short-term cellaring once released. |
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2014 |
Ripper Grenache |
$89 |
1 |
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| VM 94 (9/2016): Saturated ruby. High-pitched, mineral-tinged aromas of fresh red berries and candied flowers show Outstanding clarity. Smooth, sweet and energetic in style, offering juicy black raspberry and lavender pastille flavors complicated by an exotic Asian spice nuance. The sappy, focused finish is given shape by supple, harmonious tannins that build slowly. Josh Raynolds. |
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2015 |
Ripper Grenache |
$67 |
2 |
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| WA 96+ (9/2017): Made from 100% Grenache, the 2015 The Ripper (Grenache) has a pale to medium garnet-purple color and charges out of the gate with vibrant raspberry, black cherry and wild strawberries with hints of dried flowers, cinnamon stick and Sichuan pepper. Full-bodied, rich and seductive, the palate is packed with spicy red berry coulis flavors, paved with plush tannins and finishes with loads of layers. |
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2016 |
Ripper Grenache |
$59 |
2 |
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| |
| JD 97 (11/2018): The 2016 Ripper reminds me of a top vintage of Marcoux Vieilles Vignes cuvée from Châteauneuf du Pape with its huge nose of kirsch, blackberries, ground herbs, blueberries, graphite, and melted licorice. This beauty is full-bodied and powerful, yet also elegant, seamless, and graceful on the palate, with fine tannins and a huge finish. It’s an incredible Grenache. Eric Jensen’s Booker Vineyards continues to make a ripe, sexy, pedal-to-the-metal syle of wine and these latest 2016s don’t disappoint. (Drink between 2018-2030). |
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2017 |
Ripper Grenache |
$79 |
1 |
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| |
| JD 96 (10/2019): Bottled in February of this year, the 100% Grenache 2017 Ripper has a beautiful perfume of black raspberries, white flowers, licorice, and subtle background oak. Rich and medium to full-bodied, it has wonderful purity, fine tannins, and a great finish. |
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2014 |
RLF Pinot Noir |
$55 |
1 |
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| |
| VM 92 (9/2016): Brilliant ruby-red. Bright, intensely perfumed aromas of red berry preserves, Asian spices and potpourri are energized by a vibrant mineral flourish. Fresh and incisive, displaying deeply concentrated raspberry and bitter cherry flavors along with suggestions of candied rose and star anise. The floral and mineral qualities return on the long, penetrating finish, which features silky tannins and a hint of cola. Josh Raynolds. |
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2012 |
RLF Proprietary Blend |
$55 |
1 |
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| |
| WA 94 (8/2014): A new cuvee for me, the 2012 RLF (which is named after Eric’s father-in-law, Randy Lee Fannin, who died in a tragic incident in 2011) is a blend of 71% Grenache and 29% Syrah that was aged in a combination of used and new barrels. Tasting like a high-quality Chateauneuf du Pape, it offers perfumed black raspberry, framboise, crushed flowers, lavender and herbs de Provence aromas and flavors. This flows to full-bodied, silky and sexy wine that has impeccable balance, a rounded, supple texture and a great finish. It’s hard to resist now, and I see no reason to delay gratification either. |
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2009 |
Tempranillo |
$65 |
1 |
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WA 93 (8/2011): The 2009 Tempranillo is impressive. Dark red fruit, flowers and spices come to life in this rich, textured red. The aromas and flavors caress the palate with considerable richness and depth. The finish is long and striking for its purity. The Tempranillo was aged in 80% new barrels. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2021.
VM 91 (10/2011): Deep ruby. Candied cherry, flowers, woodsmoke and cured tobacco on the assertively perfumed nose. Deep, broad and velvety, with impressive depth and sweetness to its cherry and cassis flavors. Picks up spiciness and notes of vanilla and bitter chocolate with air and finishes with excellent clarity and lingering spiciness. I like this wine's balance. |
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2010 |
Tempranillo |
$75 |
1 |
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| |
| WA 92 (8/2012): There is no shortage of depth, power or richness in the 2010 Tempranillo. The 2010 boasts extraordinary purity and complexity, even if it doesn’t quite have the personality of the wines made from Rhone varieties. The 80% new oak has been absorbed masterfully. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2018. |
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2013 |
Tempranillo |
$75 |
1 |
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| |
WA 96 (8/2015): Competing with Epoch's top-notch Tempranillo as the best example of the variety in California, Jensen's 2013 Tempranillo is a blockbuster that's not made in every vintage. Black cherries, currants, leather, dried herbs and savory spices all emerge from this full-bodied, thick and unctuously textured beauty. It has the classic tannic grip of the variety, yet that's paired with the hallmark texture and purity of the estate. This is an awesome wine any way you look at it.
VM 92 (9/2015): Opaque ruby. The nose displays an array of dark fruit and floral scents, along with suggestions of pipe tobacco and woodsmoke. Sweet and generous in style, offering broad, edge-free flavors of blackberry and bitter cherry. Closes smooth and very long, with gentle tannins providing shape. This hefty, seamless example of Tempranillo will be delicious in its youth but also has the depth to age. (Drink between 2019-2026). Josh Raynolds. |
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2014 |
Tempranillo |
$95 |
1 |
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| WA 97-99 (8/2016): Possibly one of the greatest expressions of this variety yet from the US, the inky colored 2014 Tempranillo offers classic notes of smoked black plums, cedary spice, charred meats and chalky minerality, with more and more floral notes emerging with time in the glass. Big, full-bodied and tannic, forget it for 4-5 years and enjoy over the following decade or more. |
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2009 |
The Alchemist Proprietary Blend |
$75 |
2 |
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| |
WA 94 (8/2011): The 2009 Alchemist comes across as powerful, tightly coiled and quite inward. Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot add considerable structure as layers of blue and black fruit saturate the palate. This is another powerful, long wine endowed with exceptional definition and a dark, brooding personality. In 2009 the blend is 65% Syrah, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Petit Verdot and 10% Grenache. The wine saw 55% new barrels. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2024.
WS 93 (2/2012): Both intense and firm, this Syrah-driven red is more open-knit than the other Booker 2009s, yet it tightens the noose on the finish. A berry soup of reds. Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot and Grenache. Best from 2012 through 2022. 545 cases made.
VM 92 (10/2011): (65% syrah, 15% cabernet sauvignon and 10% each of petit verdot and grenache): Deep, glass-staining ruby. A sexy, intensely perfumed bouquet evokes dark berry preserves, cherry-cola, Asian spices and violet. No way I'd have guessed that syrah was the dominant variety in this lively wine, and I mean that in a positive way. Lithe and precise, given its size, with pure black raspberry and floral pastille flavors that stain the palate. A pure and focused blend with seductive finishing florality and superb length. |
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2010 |
The Alchemist Proprietary Blend |
$75 |
1 |
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| |
| JD 94+ (6/2012): The 2010 Booker Vineyard The Alchemist (80% Syrah, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 10% Petit Sirah and in 50% new French oak) is much more in the typical Booker Spectrum and is a classic, textbook Paso Robles blend. Offering up chocolate-laced aromas of blackberry, raspberry, spice, smoke, and tar, this full-bodied, powerful blend is voluptuous and gorgeously textured, while still showing the focused profile of the 2010 vintage. Beautifully pure, layered, and rich, this beauty will age gracefully for a decade or more. |
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2016 |
Vertigo 22 Proprietary Blend |
$65 |
1 |
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| |
| JD 98 (11/2018): The same blend as the straight Vertigo (52% Syrah, 30% Grenache, and 18% Mourvèdre), the 2016 Vertigo 22 offers a similar profile of deep, decadent notes of blueberries, graphite, smoked earth, and asphalt. More closed, backward, and dense than the classic cuvée, this full-bodied, incredibly layered, multi-dimensional effort needs 2-3 years or bottle age and will cruise in cold cellars over the following 10-15 years. Eric Jensen’s Booker Vineyards continues to make a ripe, sexy, pedal-to-the-metal syle of wine and these latest 2016s don’t disappoint. (Drink between 2018-2046). |
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2012 |
Vertigo 24 Proprietary Blend |
$65 |
1 |
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| |
WA 95-97 (8/2014): Still in barrel, the 2012 Vertigo 24 release shows a similar level of purity to go with killer aromatics (black raspberry, bouquet garni and licorice), full-bodied richness and a layered, decadent style on the palate. It has a tad more richness and depth than the straight bottling, and is an incredible red.
WS 92 (3/2015): Firm, dense and chewy, with gripping tannins wrapped around a tight core of dark berry, mocha, mineral and espresso. Sails along on the finish, gaining depth and nuance. Syrah, Mourvèdre and Grenache. Drink now through 2026. 569 cases made.
VM 91-93 (7/2014): The 2012 Vertigo 24 has a little more tannic spine than the straight Vertigo. Dark red stone fruits, spices, mint and new leather are all very much alive. Although quite supple and expressive, the 2012 also has plenty of drive and energy. Antonio Galloni. |
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2013 |
Vertigo 24 Proprietary Blend |
$59 |
1 |
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| |
| WA 93-96 (8/2015): The extended barrel-aged release of the Vertigo cuvee, the 2013 GSM Vertigo EXT was still in barrel at the time of this tasting. Similar in style, with full-bodied depth and richness, it has more toasted bread, meaty, bloody notes and spice as well as a sexy, voluptuous and seamless style on the palate. I actually prefer the earlier bottling release at present, but this is still and knockout wine. |
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2014 |
Vertigo 24 Proprietary Blend |
$59 |
1 |
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| |
| WA 95-97 (8/2016): Another blockbuster barrel sample is the 2014 GSM Vertigo EXT, which is 68% Syrah, 26% Mourvedre and the rest Grenache (there's less Grenache than normal in the 2014). Violets, cassis, licorice and black raspberries all flow to a rich, concentrated blend that's much more supple, rounded and forward than the 2015, while still showing plenty of grip and focus. |
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2009 |
Vertigo Proprietary Blend |
$65 |
1 |
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| |
WA 93 (8/2011): The 2009 Vertigo is another impeccable wine graced with exquisite silky red fruit, flowers and spices, all of which meld together seamlessly in this round, harmonious wine. The balance, length and elegance on the palate are first class from start to finish. In 2009 the blend is 48% Grenache, 35% Syrah and 17% Mourvedre, aged in 60% new French oak barrels. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2019.
WS 93 (2/2012): Presents a rustic, rough-hewn personality, this is firm, dense and chewy, with ripe dark berry, road tar, graphite, spice and fig paste flavors that add to its grainy, detailed texture. Well-balanced for all its size and strength. Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre. Drink now through 2023. 425 cases made.
VM 92 (10/2011): (48% grenache, 35% syrah and 17% mourvedre): Deep ruby. Sexy, palate-coating raspberry and blackberry flavors are complicated by Asian spices, smoke and cola. Broad, silky and alluringly sweet, with striking intensity to its deep red and dark fruit and candied rose flavors. Shows Outstanding energy and focus on the long, seamless, resoundingly spicy finish. |
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2010 |
Vertigo Proprietary Blend |
$75 |
1 |
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| JD 94 (6/2012): A big, classic Booker Syrah, the 2010 Booker Vineyard Vertigo (63% Syrah, 25% Grenache, and 12% Mourvedre aged for 16 months in 70% new French oak) is loaded with juicy red and black fruits, dark chocolate, licorice, and subtle floral qualities to flow to a full-bodied, gorgeously textured wine. While there’s loads of texture and fruit here, this is far from soft, and possesses integrated acidity, notable balance, and a clean, focused finish. It should drink nicely for 5-8 years or more. |
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2011 |
Vertigo Proprietary Blend |
$69 |
1 |
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VM 95 (7/2013): The 2011 Vertigo is one of the clear highlights of the year in Paso Robles. A rich, resonant wine, the 2011 boasts gorgeous depth and power, especially for the year. The brightness of the vintage comes through on the finish laced with expressive dark Syrah fruit. Floral and spice notes add vibrancy as well as complexity. The 2011 is 69% Syrah, 24% Mourvedre and 7% Grenache. I very much like the sense of purity here.
WA 94 (8/2013): More Syrah heavy, with 62% Syrah, 24% Mourvedre and a splash of Grenache, fermented with 30% stems and aged in 20% new French oak, the 2011 Vertigo is red fruit-driven, with plenty of raspberry, licorice and floral notes flowing to a medium to full-bodied, balanced and lively palate. Gaining more minerality and spice in the glass, it, too, is a knockout effort from Eric. Enjoy it over the coming 7-8 years. Drink now-2021.
VM 94 (12/2013): (69% syrah, 24% mourvedre and 7% grenache): Inky ruby. Suave, vanilla-accented blackberry, blueberry and floral pastille aromas show impressive energy and thrust. Surprisingly elegant, even graceful on the palate, with vibrant, violet-tinged dark berry and bitter cherry flavors complicated by slow-building spicecake and cracked pepper nuances. Silky tannins add structure to the long, alluringly sweet finish, with its lasting floral note. Wine lovers familiar with Eric Jensen's past work will be surprised (pleasantly, I hope) by this wine's finesse. |
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2012 |
Vertigo Proprietary Blend |
$65 |
1 |
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| |
| WA 95 (8/2014): The 2012 Vertigo is a blend of 57% Syrah, 32% Mourvedre and 11% Grenache that spent 18 months in French oak. It has fabulous purity to go with notions of sweet red and black berries, crushed flowers, licorice and rose petal on the nose. This flows to a medium to full-bodied, supple and seamless red that has no hard edges, building richness, and a graceful, lightly textured feel that never seems heavy or cumbersome. It will thrill for upward of a decade. |
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2013 |
Vertigo Proprietary Blend |
$65 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 94-96 (8/2014): The 2013 Vertigo (45% Syrah, 29% Mourvedre and 26% Grenache) has an almost Cornas-like purple fruit, liquid violets and caramelized meat profile that gives way to a layered, seamless and vibrant wine that has excellent concentration and a big finish. Despite being a big, rich wine, it has a pretty, elegant style that should allow it to shine on release. |
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2014 |
Vertigo Proprietary Blend |
$65 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 95+ (8/2016): A big, rich, structured effort, the 2014 GSM Vertigo is 68% Syrah, 26% Mourvedre and 6% Grenache. Sporting a saturated purple color, it offers fabulous notes of cassis, blackberries, crushed rock, licorice and dried Provencal herbs (lavender, thyme) in a full-bodied, rich package. One of the more tannic wines from Eric, it needs 2-3 years of bottle age and will have a decade or more of longevity. |
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2015 |
Vertigo Proprietary Blend |
$65 |
2 |
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| |
JD 95 (8/2017): A blend of 48% Syrah, 35% Grenache and 37% Mourvèdre, the 2015 Vertigo is another blockbuster 2015 from Jensen. It’s deep ruby color is followed by a sweet bouquet of crème de cassis, black raspberries, strawberries, violets, and chocolaty oak. It’s a round, supple, incredibly sexy GSM that has full-bodied richness, loads of power and depth, yet also shows the more charming, forward style of the 2015 vintage in Paso Robles. Drink it anytime over the coming decade.
WA 95 (9/2017): Comprised of 48% Syrah, 35% Grenache and 17% Mourvèdre, the 2015 GSM Vertigo has a medium garnet-purple color and nose of crème de cassis, blackberry pie and licorice with touches of dried Provence herbs, chocolate box and black pepper. Full-bodied and nicely played with firm, ripe, rounded tannins and a lively backbone supporting the generous, bright fruit, it finishes long and spicy. |
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2016 |
Vertigo Proprietary Blend |
$65 |
1 |
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| JD 99 (11/2018): I suspect the finest vintage to date, the 2016 Vertigo is a rock star effort and one of the top wines to ever come out of Paso Robles. Just loaded with notions of blueberries, incense, ground pepper, and crushed flowers, it hits the palate with full-bodied richness, a multi-dimensional, layered texture, no hard edges, and incredible purity of fruit. A blend of 52% Syrah, 30% Grenache and 18% Mourvèdre brought up in 50% new French oak, it’s a monumental wine from Paso Robles to enjoy over the coming 10-15 years. Eric Jensen’s Booker Vineyards continues to make a ripe, sexy, pedal-to-the-metal syle of wine and these latest 2016s don’t disappoint. |
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2017 |
Vertigo Proprietary Blend Lightly Bin-Soiled Label |
$74.99 |
1 |
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| |
JD 99 (10/2019): I loved the 2017 Vertigo from barrel, and it didn’t disappoint from bottle. A blend of 63% Syrah, 30% Mourvèdre, and the rest Grenache and Petite Sirah, brought up in 65% new French oak, this full-bodied, massively endowed 2017 has complex notes of blue fruits, blood orange, violets, and exotic spices. As with all Eric’s 2017s, it’s rich and concentrated yet has remarkable purity and elegance at the same time. It’s one of the finest GSM blends out there and will shine for at least 8-10 years. (Drink between 2019-2029).
VM 96 (2/2020): Brilliant purple. Blackberry, blueberry, cola, exotic spices, vanilla and pungent flowers on the deeply perfumed, mineral-accented nose. Compellingly sweet, lush and broad in the mouth, showing hefty dark berry preserve, candied violet and fruitcake flavors that pick up mocha, vanilla and star anise nuances on the back half. Finishes extremely long and smooth, with velvety tannins, lingering florality and outstanding clarity. 60% new French oak. (Drink between 2024-2034).
WA 93 (2/2020): The 2017 Vertigo is a blend of 65% Syrah, 30% Mourvèdre and 5% Grenache aged in 65% new French oak. Deep ruby-purple in color, the nose opens with tar, chargrill and loamy earth scents, slowly offering up game meats, black currants, dried violets and dried black cherries with a chocolatey undercurrent. Full-bodied, rich and slowly blossoming in the mouth, it has a firm, grainy frame and just enough freshness, finishing long and still youthfully coiled. |
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