Spring RELEASE NOTES
Our regenerative organic estate vineyard is waking up, and we are pumped to share our Spring Release with you. The cycle starts with cover crops between vineyard rows—legumes for nitrogen fixing and prairie grasses that push water deep into the roots. By March we will see bud break, where the vines show their first signs of life. For now, we look forward to sharing our new release reds from the stunning 2023 vintage. This vintage was a winemaker’s dream—moderate weather, perfect ripening, and wines that pack depth, finesse, and staying power. Enjoy!
100% Grenache
Ripper is the wine that redefined Paso Robles Grenache, putting this region on the map for world-class Rhône wines. The 2023 vintage is pure magic, bursting with aromas of raspberry and cranberry. On the palate, it unfolds with elegance—raspberry, plum, and brown spice. The finish is long, fresh, and kicks with staying power thanks to 18 months in 35% new French oak puncheons.
STORAGE: 55 degrees
PAIRING: Seared Duck Breast with Raspberry and Brown Spice Glaze
Pan-sear duck breasts to golden, crispy perfection, then coat them in a sweet-savory glaze made with raspberries, brown sugar, cinnamon, and clove. Serve over wild rice pilaf and finish with a drizzle of that luscious raspberry-brown spice glaze. It's rich, flavorful, and oh-so-satisfying.
Grenache 45%, Syrah 30%, Mourvèdre 25%
Oublié is our version of the classic GSM blend—Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre. The 2023 vintage dazzles with aromas of black currant, boysenberry, wild herbs, and cocoa. The palate is all about black raspberry, with a twist of rose petal, nutmeg, and clove, leading to a silky-smooth, seductive finish. It’s a perfect balance of fruity Grenache, weighty Syrah, and earthy Mourvèdre.
STORAGE: 55 degrees
PAIRING: Wild Mushroom Risotto with Truffle Oil
Sauté wild mushrooms in butter until golden, then fold them into creamy arborio rice with white wine and parmesan. Finish with a drizzle of truffle oil and a sprinkle of fresh Parmesan for a touch of luxury. The earthy mushrooms and creamy risotto make this the perfect match for Oublié.
Syrah 49%, Mourvèdre 32%, Grenache 18%, Viognier 1%
Farming at Booker is no joke— steep slopes test the nerves of any tractor driver and the stamina of anyone on foot. Vertigo is our Syrah-heavy GSM that comes from the steepest slope on the estate. The 2023 vintage is a beautiful mix of floral, fruity, and earthy vibes. Aromas of violet, blueberry, fig, and Italian roast coffee, lead to flavors of forest floor, savory spices, and cocoa. The mouthfeel is flush with velvety yet structured tannins, leading to a long, resounding finish. This one is a classic in the making.
STORAGE: 55 degrees
PAIRING: Spicy Grilled Lamb Chops with Harissa and Mint Yogurt Sauce
Rub lamb chops with a bold mix of harissa, garlic, cumin, and olive oil, then throw them on the grill for a smoky, spicy punch. Pair with a cool mint yogurt sauce, roasted sweet potatoes, and tangy pickled veggies for a dish that balances bold flavors with refreshing coolness.
100% Syrah
The Booker estate is flush with limestone—a rare, calcium-rich soil that is coveted by winemakers everywhere. Fracture’s namesake comes from the tiny fissures that limestone develops during summer months. The 2023 vintage builds upon the legend of our iconic Syrah with aromas of black cherry, raspberry, black olive tapenade, graphite, and dark roast coffee. Flavors of cherry, plum, toasted spice, and dark chocolate finish with the fine acidity and energy that only calcareous limestone can deliver.
STORAGE: 55 degrees
PAIRING: Wagyu Beef with Black Olive Tapenade and Red Wine Reduction
Sear a perfectly marbled Wagyu steak to medium-rare goodness and drizzle with a rich red wine reduction and savory black olive tapenade. Serve with truffle mashed potatoes and a sprinkle of microgreens to really impress. It’s indulgent, decadent, and totally worth it.
100% Tempranillo
Eric Jensen planted the Booker estate mostly to Rhône varieties with one notable exception—Tempranillo. Sensing that this classic Iberian grape could achieve greatness in the Willow Creek District, he planted a small block of Tempranillo at the front of the vineyard. The rest is history. The standout 2023 vintage offers exotic scents of leather, graphite, dried fig, oolong tea and watermelon rind. Deep, sumptuous flavors of plum, cherry and blackberry reveal hints of cigar box and toasted spice on a rich, rustic finish.
STORAGE: 55 degrees
PAIRING: Slow-Braised Short Ribs with Fig and Oolong Tea Glaze
Brown short ribs, then let them slow-braise in a fragrant mix of dried figs, oolong tea, and spices. Reduce the braising liquid to a silky glaze and brush it over the ribs. Pair with creamy mashed potatoes, and you’ve got the ultimate comfort food that’s rich, tender, and full of flavor.
Grenache 70%, Syrah 20%, Mourvèdre 10%
Your new favorite springtime sipper is here. Say hello to the 2024 Booker Pink, which dazzles the nose with scents of sliced strawberry, guava and ginger spice. The palate is everything you have come to expect from Booker Pink—fresh, mouthwatering, and expansive. Flavors of watermelon and passionfruit lead to a crisp, clean finish with just a hint of white flowers. A Rhône-inspired rosé that is impossible not to love.
STORAGE: 55 degrees
PAIRING: Grilled Shrimp with Citrus-Avocado Relish
Fire up the grill for shrimp tossed in olive oil, lime, and smoked paprika. Get the perfect char, then top with a zesty citrus-avocado relish loaded with orange segments, fresh cilantro, and a little olive oil drizzle. It’s light, fresh, and totally irresistible—just like the wine itself.
