Booker Tempranillo 2017

The Booker Tempranillo 2017 is a bold and richly structured wine from the Booker vineyard Paso robles appellation of Central Coast, California. This wine displays a deep ruby-purple color that catches the eye right away.

Aged in 70% new French oak, this Tempranillo is scented with a complex array of aromas. On the nose, you’ll find the sweet smell of sour cherries, mixed with hints of old leather, grilled meats, and a touch of woodsmoke. As you continue to explore its bouquet, notes of tar, loamy earth, and a subtle hint of bacon come soaring through. Delicate touches of violet, bramble, and mint add an extra layer of intrigue to its vinous profile.

On the palate, this full-bodied wine explodes with flavor. The intense taste of black plum and cedar is immediately noticeable, complemented by a mineral undertone. The palate also picks up notes of pepper and exotic spices, adding a lively and fresh twist to the overall experience. As the wine glides across your tongue, you’ll detect the remarkable complexity of flavors, including cured meats, saddle leather, and a hint of candle wax. The herbes de Provence and licorice notes give it a unique and memorable finish.

The texture of the Booker Tempranillo 2017 is seamless and smooth, with ripe, polished tannins that provide a firm framework without being overpowering. This wine has a superb persistence, meaning the flavors linger on the palate long after you’ve taken a sip. It’s perfect for those who appreciate a richly structured wine with bold and dynamic flavors.

Produced in limited quantities, this wine is best cellared for a few years to allow its flavors to develop even further. However, it already displays terrific upfront charm and balance. With a bottle age of 2-3 years, this wine will benefit greatly, enhancing its impressive complexity and meatiness.

Winemaker Eric Jensen has created a true Tempranillo Wine masterpiece with the Booker Tempranillo 2017. This wine stands out not only for its brilliant color and bold flavors but also for its sexy, ripe texture that makes it a pleasure to drink. It’s cut from the same cloth as the classic cuvée yet offers an extra layer of depth and complexity.

Booker Tempranillo 2017 has received high praise from top wine critics. Wine Spectator awarded this tempranillo total wine 93 points, noting its polish, plump tannins, and a core of dark fruit flavors mingled with red licorice, Earl Grey tea, and toasted cumin, recommending it for drinking through 2031. Wine Advocate gave it 92 points, highlighting its deep ruby-purple color and complex aromas of sour cherries, leather, and grilled meats, with a full-bodied palate that explodes with savory layers. Jeb Dunnuck, with a stellar 97 points, lauded its terrific blue fruits, pepper, and remarkable purity, predicting further benefits from bottle aging. Vinous rated it 94 points, praising its deep glistening ruby color, concentrated blueberry and cherry cola flavors, and superb persistence with smooth tannins, calling it one of the finest examples outside Spain.

The Booker Tempranillo 2017, with its ABV of 14.5%, is an excellent choice for those looking to enjoy a high-quality, full-bodied red wine. Whether you’re new to Tempranillo or a seasoned wine lover, this bottle promises a delightful tasting experience that showcases the best of what the Paso Robles region has to offer.