2010 Oublie
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Tasting notes
(43% syrah, 26% mourvedre, 16% counoise and 15% grenache; 15.2% alcohol): Opaque ruby. Smoky blackcurrant and blueberry on the nose, with exotic spice and floral qualities adding complexity. Bright and sweet on the palate, offering deep dark berry preserve and floral pastille flavors, supple texture and building spiciness. Finishes with excellent persistence, silky tannins and lingering spiciness.
Critic scores
Jeb Dunnuck
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The 2010 Oublié 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 Oublié to a rarified level. The blend is 43% Syrah, 26% Mourvèdre, 16% Counoise and 15% Grenache, with about 30% whole clusters used in vinification.
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. Behind Eric Jensen’s outgoing, boisterous personality lies the mind of one of the most thoughtful and introspective winemakers in Paso Robles. An unending drive for perfection means Jensen is satisfied with nothing but the very best. Over the last few years, that has led to some serious rethinking in the vineyards and cellar. Today, the wines are more polished than they have ever been. I have also included notes on the ‘22’ series of wines that spend a few extra months in barrel. The handful of 2011s I tasted were delicate, perfumed and quite pretty, but with less depth and structure than either the 2009s or the 2010s. One day, when the vineyards of Westside Paso Robles are fully understood, I have little doubt Booker will occupy a place at or near the top. Eric Jensen’s relentless passion and commitment for excellence make Booker the single most exciting emerging property in Paso Robles. Tel. (805) 237-7367, www.bookerwines.com
A blend of 43% Syrah, 26% Mourvedre, 16% Counoise, and 15% Grenache, the 2010 Booker Vineyard Oublie, aged in 80% neutral French oak, displays a ripe, yet impressively fresh bouquet of blackberry styled fruits, assorted floral notes, roasted meats, and licorice. Upfront and perfumed, yet it has solid complexity and depth. On the palate, the wine is medium to full-bodied, balanced, and shows a classy elegance that carries through the finish where it picks up chewy tannin. Very well done and where past vintages were sweetly fruited and hedonistic, this has a more streamlined elegance, and should age longer. It should benefit from short term cellaring, and drink nicely over the following 5-8 years.