When it comes to California Syrah with a cult following, Booker has been releasing some of the best for decades!
The name Booker comes from the two orphan brothers, Claude and Dick Booker, who had purchased the land in the late 1920’s. By the turn of the century the Booker brothers had acquired over 1,200 acres on Paso's Westside. They dedicated their lives to being great farmers and humanitarians, leaving 100% of their estate to charity when they passed, Dick in 1990 and Claude in 2000.
Eric and Lisa Jensen purchased 100 acres of the property in 2001 with the intent of growing the best fruit for some of the best wineries in the area. After making wine with Justin Smith (of Saxum) for five years and Stephan Asseo (of L'Aventure Wines) for two years the Jensens decided it was time to create their own expression with Booker Vineyard. The 2005 Vintage was Booker Vineyard's first release with the wines being made by founder Eric Jensen. The vineyard received organic certification in April of 2021.
The wine gets its name from the Booker Vineyard, which is carefully tended to by skilled winemakers who prioritize sustainable and meticulous viticulture practices. The vineyard's unique soil composition and microclimate contribute to the development of grapes with intense flavors and depth.
Booker is dedicated to the pursuit of farming perfection, constantly striving to find the perfect balance in the vineyard through certified organic farming practices as well as methods that draw inspiration from biodynamics.
Tasting Notes:
Often described as a Booker flagship, Fracture is one of the world’s great Syrahs. Only the softest Syrah in barrel makes the cut for this dense and powerful wine. The namesake pays homage to the calcareous soil in our vineyard, the limestone causes it to ‘fracture’. Fracture is our most consistent wine and the 19 vintage is no different. Inky black as always, it shows off intense aromas of graphite, gun powder, and blackberry cobbler. The flavors on the palate mirror the aromas and yet are almost completely eclipsed by the sheer weight, volume, and length of this graceful giant. The finish is even bigger than the previous 2017 or 2018 vintage with notes of double espresso and seared rib eye on the close.
Technical Data:
VINTAGE: 2019
VARIETAL: 100% Syrah
APPELLATION: Paso Robles
ALCOHOL %: 14.6