2019 Booker The Ripper 22

The 2019 Ripper 22 Grenache is addicting, loaded with nuanced perfume and juicy acidity. Medium ruby-purple, it's scented of raspberry and rhubarb plus tones of powdered sugar, dried flowers and angostura bitters. Medium-bodied and grainy, the palate bursts with sweet berry fruits and floral character, with a streak of iron character and a very long, fragrant finish.

Starting out, the 2019 Ripper is a beauty, offering medium to full-bodied richness in a pretty, perfumed, incredibly well-balanced package. Kirsch, wild strawberries, toasted spice, and herbes de Provence-like nuances all define this Grenache that will evolve for 10-15 years. The alcohol hits just 14.4%, but it’s seamless, ripe, and just a gorgeous drink. Eric Jensen continues to tweak the style of these wines, and today the wines play in the much more elegant, streamlined end of the spectrum while still bringing plenty of classic Paso Robles fruit and texture. Alcohol levels are almost all under 14.5%, yet the tannins are ripe, and the wines have solid mid-palate density, integrated acid levels, and straight-up terrific overall balance. These all required plenty of air to show at their best, and I don’t think there’s a wine reviewed that won’t benefit from 2-3 years of bottle age.