2010 Saxum Booker Vineyard Syrah
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Tasting notes
The 2010 Booker Vineyard is 81% Syrah and 19% Mourvedre that's all from a site on the western side of Paso Robles. It's still deep plum-hued with no sign of bricking at the rim and has a killer bouquet of ripe black and blue fruits, peppery herbs, chocolate, truffle, bacon fat, and baking spices. Deep, rich, full-bodied, and concentrated, it brings considerable power while staying perfectly balanced, seamless, and elegant. This remarkable, complex, absolutely world-class Syrah benefits from air and will evolve for another 15 years.
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A full-throttle Paso Syrah, the 2010 Booker Vineyard explodes onto the palate with an exotic melange of black fruit, smoke, tar and game. The style is decidedly masculine, virile and imposing. There is an immediacy to the Booker that is impossible to miss. At the same time, this is a wine that tells you everything right up front. Might there be something more to discover in this site? The 2010 is 81% Syrah and 19% Mourvèdre, aged in 350 liter barrels, 60-70% new.
(81% syrah and 19% mourvedre): Inky purple. An explosively perfumed bouquet evokes spicy red and dark berry liqueur, Indian spices, vanilla and floral oils. Spicy black raspberry and cherry-vanilla flavors are complicated by notes of violet pastille and show a plush, seamless texture. Gains weight with air but retains clarity. The spicy note carries through an impressively long, juicy finish, which features ripe, harmonious tannins.
About the producer
Founded in 2002 by Justin and Heather Smith, Saxum Vineyards is a leading Paso Robles producer of Rhône-inspired wines. Limited to around 8,000 cases annually, the range includes Broken Stones, James Berry Vineyard, Bone Rock and Rocket Block.