2015 Booker Syrah Ones

The 2015 Syrah Ones is another cellar selection checking in at the top of the vintage. I’d also wager it’s one of the most impressive Syrahs made in California. Black currants, crème de cassis, toasted bread, vanilla bean and smoked meats give way to an unctuous, full-bodied, structured Syrah that has no hard edges, present tannin, and a blockbuster finish. It needs short term cellaring to integrate is oak, and will keep for two decades. 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!