Booker Fracture Syrah 2020

The Fracture Syrah, unanimously considered the company's most representative wine and one of the best Syrahs in the world, comes from the company's high-density vineyards and is aged in 228-liter barriques. The name refers to the particular soil, so rich in limestone that it creates fractures.

The wine has a deep, dense color with purple highlights and a strong, concentrated aromatic profile with notes of plum, black cherry, blackberry, coffee, black olives, and cloves. On the palate, it is bold and rich, rounded and juicy. It has a full body, velvety tannins, and a strong acidity. The finish is long and recalls light smoky notes. Leave it in the cellar for a few years or, if you can't resist, open a bottle and serve it with beef brisket.

Located on the western slope of Paso Robles, Booker Vineyard is owned by the Jensens who purchased it in 2001. The company bears the name of the brothers Claude and Dick Booker, former owners of the land, farmers, and philanthropists well known in the area, who, upon their passing, left the estate to charity. The vineyard, certified organic since 2021, which enjoys soils of calcareous schist, is planted for about half with Syrah, and overall mainly with Rhone varieties.

96pt: Deep, fresh yet almost a little voluptuous, with hot stones, meat and violets to the black and blue fruit. Very silky and full-bodied on the palate. Really seamless and juicy, with impressive crunch as well as depth and density. A stunner from Paso! Drink or hold.

James Suckling