2010 Booker Tempranillo
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Tasting notes
Vivid purple. Pungent, oak-spiced aromas of black and blue fruits, violet, tobacco and black pepper. Sweet and lush on entry, then smoky and chewy in the mid-palate, offering deep blackberry and mulberry flavors with suggestions of bitter chocolate and licorice. This ripe, fresh tempranillo finishes long and spicy, with notes of smoke and bitter cherry. This wine deserves some patience.
Critic scores
Average Score
Jeb Dunnuck
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
There is no shortage of depth, power and 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.
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. 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
Shockingly good and a testament to the potential of Tempranillo in Paso Robles, the 2010 Booker Vineyard Tempranillo is 100% Tempranillo and was aged in 90% new French oak. Very tight and dense, with classic aromas of dusty minerality, leather, graphite, and earthy dark fruits, this hits the palate with a firm structure feel that’s balanced by a full-bodied, rich mouth feel, beautiful acidity, and superb length on the finish. There’s no shortage of tannin here, and this really needs 2-3 years to chill out. It will age effortlessly for a decade.