BOOKER

PASO ROBLES, CALIFORNIA 2019

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Why Buy: These two 97-pointers from Booker Vineyards represent California winemaking at its next-generation best: big, plush, fragrant, supple, and long.

 

What They're Saying: The Wine Advocate raved over The "Oublié," awarding 97 points and writing: "the palate offers juicy appeal and powerful fruit with loads of spice and floral perfume, bursts of freshness and firm, pleasantly rustic tannins, finishing very long." Jeb Dunnuck was no less enamored of the "Fracture," a 97-point wine that he declared "pure, balanced, incredibly classy," with "loads of darker fruits, ground black pepper, crushed stone, and scorched earth."

 

Specs: The "Fracture" is 100% Syrah; the "Oublié" is a blend, primarily, of Syrah and Mourvèdre, with small amounts of Tannat and Petite Sirah for added dimension. Both aged for 18 months: the "Oublié" in new French oak, neutral French oak, and concrete; the "Fracture," in new French oak and neutral French oak.

 

The Story: Eric Jensen isn't just a winemaker; he's also a farmer. That's no minor consideration. In fact, it has much to do with what makes this comparatively young estate so distinct, and so winning. Jensen is committed to biodynamic principles, and to, not just tending the land with devotion, but sustaining it over time. His patch of Paso Robles, of course, just so happens to be extraordinary terroir, with steep, vertical slopes of limestone soil and optimal atmospheric conditions that alternately stress and cool the grapes as they progress on the vine. Jensen's philosophy in the cellar is as throwback as they come: "to uncover the vintage Mother Nature gave us and showcase the quality of the fruit." It's that commitment to timeless principles and tested practices that has endeared so many collectors to these wines, and that has us excited for the evolution of this shooting star of an estate.

 

Our Tasting Notes: Both showed out beautifully in our recent tastings, and put us in mind of wines that cost twice as much. The "Oublié" is Booker's homage to Châteauneuf-du-Pape, and we could hardly imagine a finer, more fitting tribute. Concentration, intensity, length – they're all here, and in abundance, and the not-inconsiderable presence of Mourvèdre brings a boldness and vitality. "Fracture" is a wine of inescapable power, from the burst of blackberry and graphite on the nose to the size and strength of the palate to the long, soft finish. It's also a wine of remarkable grace, and it is this last quality that compelled us to return to it again and again.

 

ABV: "Oublié," 14.1%; "Fracture," 14.6%.

 

What to Pair Them With: Juicy, butter-capped ribeye steaks; smoky grilled sausages and peppers; osso buco.

 

Fun Fact: In a previous life, Jensen was a broker of real estate trusts and a concert promoter.

 

Our Guarantee: We always buy and source direct, so rest assured: your wines will arrive in your hands with pristine provenance. Secure your order today!

 

*Offer NOT valid in-store. This offer is made pre-arrival, with wines estimated to be delivered to your preferred store in Summer 2024. All sale prices are the lowest available at Total Wine & More and ONLY valid through Concierge Sales. No further discounts or coupons may be applied. Offer not valid in KS, MI, NY, or TN. This offer is for ONE WEEK, or until sold out, and will expire on Sunday, April 14th, 2024.