Booker Vineyard Oublie 2019

In a world where everybody is looking to make a quick buck and follow the next guy, consider this quote from Antonio Galloni about Booker Vineyard: “Proprietor Eric Jensen is one of the most daring winemakers in Paso Robles. Jensen is willing to take more risks than many of his peers, an approach that will continue to pay off big time.”

It’s true: Booker Vineyard is a pioneer of a new wave of wine in California. The days of just Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinot Noir are over, and Booker is leading the charge. The winery is on fire — I’m talking absolute critical darlings. As such, they’ve continued to do what they can to expand, buy up new vineyards, and try new things.

Not only do they make Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre, and Tannat in addition to Cabernet Sauvignon, but they even make a Tempranillo that I’d argue is probably the best one made in the states.

Their ‘Oublie’ Cuvee is the California version of a Châteauneuf du Pape, and it’s such a big and interesting wine. It’s a deep, dark, alluring wine with tons of personality, a seamless blend that brings so much more than just intense fruit to the table. There’s some spice, some floral notes, a little bit of minerality, and even some bramble there. It’s got it all.