2015 Syrah Fracture

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 cuvée, 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. One of the leaders of the Paso wine scene is undoubtedly Eric Jensen’s Booker Vineyard (I’ve affectionately called this group the motley crew before). Jensen and his wife Lisa purchased these 72 acres in 2001, with their wines released in 2005. Since then, the wines have evolved from uber rich and forward, to today where they’re more polished, complete and structured. Looking at his 2015s, which Jensen compared to his 2010 and 2013s, they show the more elegant style of the vintage, yet pack plenty of fruit and texture. His 2016s are certainly bigger wines, yet have plenty of tannin and a focused style on the palate which I suspect will benefit from short term cellaring. In addition to his Rhône variety releases and blends, it’s worth pointing out the quality coming from his Cabernet Sauvignons as well. These are seriously good wines!