2015 Booker Vertigo 22

The 2015 Vertigo 22 is the same blend as the classic release (48% Syrah, 35% Grenache and 37% Mourvèdre), yet saw 22 months in barrel. As these extend barrel aging durations tend to do (assuming the raw material can handle it), this cuvée is deeper and richer, with more base notes of blackcurrants, espresso, vanilla bean and cured meats. Just heavenly on the palate, with full-bodied richness, a deep, layered texture, ripe tannin and blockbuster length, it says remarkable light and graceful, yet still packs one hell of a punch with its fruit and intensity. Count me more than a little impressed, and this is the finest version/vintage of this cuvée I’ve tasted. 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!