Jeb Dunnuck: 98 Points
I also loved the 2019 Booker Vineyard, which reminds me of a great Hermitage with its smoky array of ripe red and black fruits, leather, game, and iron aromas and flavors. Rich, full-bodied, and powerful, it has flawless balance, that rare sense of richness without weight, ripe yet present tannins, and a great finish. It's another magical Syrah from this great vineyard located right off Highway 46, on the west side of Paso Robles. It's great today but will benefit from 2-3 years of bottle age and keep for 15-20 years with no issues. The blend is 71% Syrah and 29% Mourvèdre that saw 24% stems and spent 21 months in 74% new French oak.
Vinous: 98 Points
Opaque ruby. Spice- and mineral-driven blue fruit, potpourri and smoky bacon scents show superb delineation and take on a hint of olive with air. Sappy and penetrating on the palate, offering intense bitter cherry, blueberry, candied violet and exotic spice flavors that deepen and turn sweeter as the wine opens up. The floral and mineral notes repeat strongly the incisive and extremely long finish, which features gently gripping tannins and resonating spiciness. This is truly one of the great vineyards in Paso Robles, or California, for that matter, and this particular bottling is definitely on the short list of the best wines that I have ever tasted from it.
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