the ripper and vertigo both together, ripper more bright cherry and vertigo darker as expected. both well balanced, with a little heat but delicious. i liked the depth of the vertigo a little better than the ripper.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
I'm with Daniel on this one, it was a bit of a disappointment. Lacking the structure I expected it was a bit soft and thin. Some nice cherry fruit but not a lot of complexity. Maybe past its prime?
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Medium red, blackberry, cinnamon, and grilled herbs on the nose. Cherry cola, upfront tart berries with a touch of sweetness. Soft tannins, ready to go but not old. Drinks like a Pinot in many respects. Cherry fruit bomb.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Opened 30 minutes before dinner, served with homemade Chestnut and sage gnocchi. Bright red color, expressive, floral nose loaded with strawberries, plum and red cherries. The mouth boasts big, ripe fruit with some layers of complexity, but the tannins are just too soft at this point and are incapable of providing a supporting structure for the otherwise delicious juice. On fruit and depth, this could be a 91-92 points effort easily, but the structure is too soft making it a very enjoyable, but flawed wine. 89 points in my book.
Some takeaways for anyone stocking these:
1. This is much closer in style to a warm-vintage Cotes de Nuits than it is to a Southern Rhone, so consider that when pairing with food, and go for a lighter dish or some hard cheese.
2. I wouldn't drink this standalone - it doesn't carry. But with the right food pairing, you can really enjoy this wine.
3. Definitely pop & pour. No decanting, you'll only over-do an already soft wine.
4. Drink these now, because it's probably trending downhill already, but still enjoyable (I guess while top CDPs can go for 12-15 years easily, Paso Robles Grenache seems to peak at around 6-7 years, as has been my experience in the past).
2 people found this helpful, do you? Yes - No
/ Comment
A little over a year later I'd say more or less holds true: Smooth & finessed. Black cherry, medicinal herbs, iron. Nice acidity and pretty delicate display of cherry, tart plum, lavender.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Ruby with floral nose. Red cherries and red raspberries. Light/medium body. Smooth and balanced with moderate length finish. Excellent pairing with lightly spiced pork loin.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Surprised how much I liked it. I'm usually in the big fruit high alcohol camp. The great thing about wine is always experiencing something new and unexpected
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No
/ Comment
Another beauty from Booker. Glad I popped this when we did. Don’t see it improving much more with age, but in a sweet spot right now. Strawberry and floral notes. Finish didn’t linger, but definitely left me wanting more.
This wine is a ruby garnet that is medium body at best. It smells of acidity and that carries to the finish. Be honest at first blush, I thought this was a zin but was quickly introduced to black cherry, black berry, cedar and floral notes. I enjoy this wines flavor and weight, this is not a big monster central coast Grenache, more refined without the depth.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
To be clear, this is the regular 2012 bottling, not the 24 month. Bright ruby-purple translucent color, sweet red fruit jam aromas along with garrigue, the mouth on this really went just more lavender and wild strawberry. It had a nice opulence and the finish was just so pleasing with cherry tobacco, more strawberry and a little pomagranate juice. This is not one of those "brush yer teeth after" Grenaches from Washington or SQN. It's delicate, enjoyable with or without food, and is sitting at its peak right now. Drink or be disappointed later.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Translucent, lean and lacks even a touch of complexity. This is a pleasant but simple wine that falls well short of meeting what is reasonable to expect at this price point.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Light garnet in the glass, very nice Paso Grenache, nose is restrained and first sip is lively and expressive with red fruits and chocolate covered cherries, over an hour though the structure falls a part a bit with tannic structure fading, and fruits turning more candied and sweet, notes of sweet vanilla, baking spice and a hint of wood on a long finish.
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No
/ Comment
Beautiful wine. Notes of cherry and kirsch in the nose, with a hint of dried flowers, this is medium bodied and balanced with under 14% alcohol. Long finish.
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No
/ Comment
Smooth as silk but quite a bit milder than I anticipated. Nice long finish that we had to think about. Did not stand up well to sausage and garlic pizza, would have been better with less spicey food or even alone as an aperitif. Next time we will have it with something simple. It is, however, a lovely Grenache.
2 people found this helpful, do you? Yes - No
/ Comment
The meal: Antipasto Osso Buco with polenta and broccoli rabe Select Vermont cheeses Pears poached in cassis accompanied with red wine sorbet
The wines: N/V Nathalie Falmet Champagne Cuvee Le Val Cornet (deg. May 2014) - 91 2007 Domaine des Comtes Lafon Meursault Clos de la Barre - 94 2006 Poderi Aldo Conterno Barolo Colonnello - 94 2006 Azienda Agricola Le Ragnaie Brunello di Montalcino - 92 2012 Booker Vineyard Grenache The Ripper - 94 2012 Torrin Akasha (Syrah) - 95
The Falmet was nicely balanced and very pleasurable to drink with antipasto dish. Tight bubbles, notes of citrus and toast. Drinking as good or better than previous bottles.
The 2007 Clos de la Barre was a perfect accompaniment to antipasto and also balanced well against the reds later in the evening. Lots of buttery notes and a smooth long finish. Continues to astound me.
The 2006 Poderi Aldo Conterno Barolo Colonnello is just beginning to emerge as a young maturing Barolo. The tannins are subsiding quite a bit and had a great balance of fruit, soil, fragrance and polish. It has structure to last for many years, and it would be good to wait another 5 - 10 years to try it again.
The 2006 Le Ragnaie was an excellent Brunello but suffered a bit in comparison to the Colonnello. Its tannins were more muted but it lacked a certain complexity that I was hoping for. It is still an excellent wine.
The 2012 Booker Grenache and 2012 Torrin Akasha (Syrah) made for interesting counter-points to each other and to the older Italian wines. The Booker exhibits lots of licorice and fruit and big chewy set of tannins that are quite integrated. The Torrin presented a complex palate of dark fruit, earth tones and soil. It had an exceptional finish and had us all talking and marveling over it.
Positive experience with this bottle. Can see there's a mix of reviews on this one, and to be honest I had a bad experience with the the 2010 bottling just a few months ago. IMHO - this Grenache is best drank in the first few years, and offers its best young. Lots of luscious fruit and secondary notes. Sort of Jammy and full of life right now! Don't wait!
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No
/ Comment
Garnet in color with notes of red fruit, floral, and some cedar. Palate lighter and very soft with few tannins. Nice wine but found it just a bit simple. Maybe it could still use time
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No
/ Comment
Very pretty wine. Rich and pure with silky smooth finish. Dark and rich without being overly sugared. My guests really enjoyed this as did I. Booker continues to impress
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Dark garnet in color. Big nose of cedar, cherry, candy apple and vanilla. Opened and poured a large glass via Coravin and consumed over two hours. Had with grilled steak and salad with blue cheese, the later clashed a bit, then finished by the glass by itself. Fruit dominated palate of cherry vanilla, touch of blueberry, and finishes with a long finish of strawberry shortcake. For me this still young and fruit forward, better at two hours. Better balance and acidity at 2 hours, I will keep my other bottle for a while, recommend at least a two hour decant if you drink now.
2 people found this helpful, do you? Yes - No
/ Comment
This wine despite its youth is among my 5 all-time favorites. Perfectly balanced, seamless, big and rich yet light and agile everything is perfectly in place though I can only imagine what it will be like with some time settle down. Light in color, big nose and loads of red fruit. I cannot think of Grenache I've enjoyed more.
2 people found this helpful, do you? Yes - No
/ Comment
Wanted to try early since I had several bottles. Garnet red. Cigar, minerals and red fruit on nose and palate. Young and moderately tannic but fun to drink. Flavor profile dominated at this point by red raspberry and strawberry. Very tasty Grenache!
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Drank alongside a 2009 VT CDP "La Crau." Decanted for 2 hours and enjoyed with Boeuf Bourgignon. This is an awesome, heady wine with rich fruit undertones wrapped around a beautiful expression of Grenache. This equals the great Grenache of SQN at a fraction of the price. It is mouth-coating and immediately triggers the desire to talk about life, art and everything else. I've been enjoying Booker since their 2006 vintage and I am always happy with the wine they produce.
Coravin sampling, could drink the whole bottle now and be very happy but will hold to see how it develops. Little sea salt, caramel, bright fruit with leather tastes.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
4/10/2023 - bonedoc wrote: 94 Points
the ripper and vertigo both together, ripper more bright cherry and vertigo darker as expected. both well balanced, with a little heat but delicious. i liked the depth of the vertigo a little better than the ripper.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
1/20/2023 - bonedoc wrote:
Limited notes, terrific.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
9/23/2022 - DrBad wrote: 89 Points
I'm with Daniel on this one, it was a bit of a disappointment. Lacking the structure I expected it was a bit soft and thin. Some nice cherry fruit but not a lot of complexity. Maybe past its prime?
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
1/22/2022 - rustyRudy Likes this wine: 93 Points
Medium red, blackberry, cinnamon, and grilled herbs on the nose. Cherry cola, upfront tart berries with a touch of sweetness. Soft tannins, ready to go but not old. Drinks like a Pinot in many respects. Cherry fruit bomb.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
12/29/2021 - DanielAVTL Likes this wine: 89 Points
Opened 30 minutes before dinner, served with homemade Chestnut and sage gnocchi. Bright red color, expressive, floral nose loaded with strawberries, plum and red cherries. The mouth boasts big, ripe fruit with some layers of complexity, but the tannins are just too soft at this point and are incapable of providing a supporting structure for the otherwise delicious juice. On fruit and depth, this could be a 91-92 points effort easily, but the structure is too soft making it a very enjoyable, but flawed wine. 89 points in my book.
Some takeaways for anyone stocking these:
1. This is much closer in style to a warm-vintage Cotes de Nuits than it is to a Southern Rhone, so consider that when pairing with food, and go for a lighter dish or some hard cheese.
2. I wouldn't drink this standalone - it doesn't carry. But with the right food pairing, you can really enjoy this wine.
3. Definitely pop & pour. No decanting, you'll only over-do an already soft wine.
4. Drink these now, because it's probably trending downhill already, but still enjoyable (I guess while top CDPs can go for 12-15 years easily, Paso Robles Grenache seems to peak at around 6-7 years, as has been my experience in the past).
2 people found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comment
12/24/2021 - andrewdodd86 Likes this wine: 96 Points
All red raspberry. Surprisingly low tannins and very well integrated. Elegant and gorgeous. Light red color. Beautiful. Drink up.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
12/19/2021 - jvphoto Likes this wine: 92 Points
A little over a year later I'd say more or less holds true:
Smooth & finessed. Black cherry, medicinal herbs, iron. Nice acidity and pretty delicate display of cherry, tart plum, lavender.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
10/23/2021 - danielbleier Likes this wine: 95 Points
consistent with notes of 2/16/2017
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
12/10/2020 - ddsolomon2000 wrote: 95 Points
Spectacular wine. Still going strong.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
8/7/2020 - jvphoto Likes this wine: 92 Points
Smooth & finessed. Black cherry, medicinal herbs, iron. Nice acidity and pretty delicate display of cherry, tart plum, lavender.
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comment
7/28/2020 - danielbleier Likes this wine: 95 Points
consistent with notes of 2/16/2017 - silky smooth - fantastic wine
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
2/11/2020 - bonedoc wrote: flawed
corked
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
2/9/2020 - mvande21 Likes this wine: 94 Points
Ruby with floral nose. Red cherries and red raspberries. Light/medium body. Smooth and balanced with moderate length finish. Excellent pairing with lightly spiced pork loin.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
12/15/2019 - bonedoc wrote: 91 Points
Ripe, slightly sweet, pleasant.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
10/21/2019 - spidersva wrote: 95 Points
Wow. How does a grenache get this hefty and yummy? IDK, but imma gonna keep drinking it.
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comment
8/25/2019 - Backdoctor wrote: 94 Points
Very elegant light to medium bodied grenache. Wonderful nose and palate. Went well with my fish
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
7/23/2019 - Montana Likes this wine: 94 Points
Booker absolutely never disappoints!
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comment
7/19/2019 - Castle Peak wrote: 94 Points
Never disappoints. Enjoyed over 2 days.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
3/17/2019 - Corrie Likes this wine: 93 Points
Surprised how much I liked it. I'm usually in the big fruit high alcohol camp. The great thing about wine is always experiencing something new and unexpected
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comment
3/10/2019 - UofM Likes this wine: 94 Points
Another beauty from Booker. Glad I popped this when we did. Don’t see it improving much more with age, but in a sweet spot right now. Strawberry and floral notes. Finish didn’t linger, but definitely left me wanting more.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comments (2)
3/2/2019 - Wine Warrior 1 Likes this wine: 91 Points
This wine is a ruby garnet that is medium body at best. It smells of acidity and that carries to the finish. Be honest at first blush, I thought this was a zin but was quickly introduced to black cherry, black berry, cedar and floral notes. I enjoy this wines flavor and weight, this is not a big monster central coast Grenache, more refined without the depth.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
8/18/2018 - tp096255 Likes this wine: 93 Points
To be clear, this is the regular 2012 bottling, not the 24 month. Bright ruby-purple translucent color, sweet red fruit jam aromas along with garrigue, the mouth on this really went just more lavender and wild strawberry. It had a nice opulence and the finish was just so pleasing with cherry tobacco, more strawberry and a little pomagranate juice. This is not one of those "brush yer teeth after" Grenaches from Washington or SQN. It's delicate, enjoyable with or without food, and is sitting at its peak right now. Drink or be disappointed later.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
4/14/2018 - tantotinto wrote: 88 Points
Translucent, lean and lacks even a touch of complexity. This is a pleasant but simple wine that falls well short of meeting what is reasonable to expect at this price point.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
3/5/2018 - WineCenturyAZ Likes this wine: 89 Points
Light garnet in the glass, very nice Paso Grenache, nose is restrained and first sip is lively and expressive with red fruits and chocolate covered cherries, over an hour though the structure falls a part a bit with tannic structure fading, and fruits turning more candied and sweet, notes of sweet vanilla, baking spice and a hint of wood on a long finish.
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comment
2/10/2018 - ELH wrote: 91 Points
This bottle seemed tired and a paler version of previous ones. Light and fruity but without depth.
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comment
9/16/2017 - jaumealaska Likes this wine: 94 Points
Beautiful wine. Notes of cherry and kirsch in the nose, with a hint of dried flowers, this is medium bodied and balanced with under 14% alcohol. Long finish.
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comment
7/1/2017 - seijaro Likes this wine: 93 Points
Smooth as silk but quite a bit milder than I anticipated. Nice long finish that we had to think about. Did not stand up well to sausage and garlic pizza, would have been better with less spicey food or even alone as an aperitif. Next time we will have it with something simple. It is, however, a lovely Grenache.
2 people found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comment
6/17/2017 - ELH wrote: 95 Points
Lovely. Rich, lively Grenache fruit with depth.
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comment
4/8/2017 - SMagowan Likes this wine: 94 Points
Dinner party at home
The meal:
Antipasto
Osso Buco with polenta and broccoli rabe
Select Vermont cheeses
Pears poached in cassis accompanied with red wine sorbet
The wines:
N/V Nathalie Falmet Champagne Cuvee Le Val Cornet (deg. May 2014) - 91
2007 Domaine des Comtes Lafon Meursault Clos de la Barre - 94
2006 Poderi Aldo Conterno Barolo Colonnello - 94
2006 Azienda Agricola Le Ragnaie Brunello di Montalcino - 92
2012 Booker Vineyard Grenache The Ripper - 94
2012 Torrin Akasha (Syrah) - 95
The Falmet was nicely balanced and very pleasurable to drink with antipasto dish. Tight bubbles, notes of citrus and toast. Drinking as good or better than previous bottles.
The 2007 Clos de la Barre was a perfect accompaniment to antipasto and also balanced well against the reds later in the evening. Lots of buttery notes and a smooth long finish. Continues to astound me.
The 2006 Poderi Aldo Conterno Barolo Colonnello is just beginning to emerge as a young maturing Barolo. The tannins are subsiding quite a bit and had a great balance of fruit, soil, fragrance and polish. It has structure to last for many years, and it would be good to wait another 5 - 10 years to try it again.
The 2006 Le Ragnaie was an excellent Brunello but suffered a bit in comparison to the Colonnello. Its tannins were more muted but it lacked a certain complexity that I was hoping for. It is still an excellent wine.
The 2012 Booker Grenache and 2012 Torrin Akasha (Syrah) made for interesting counter-points to each other and to the older Italian wines. The Booker exhibits lots of licorice and fruit and big chewy set of tannins that are quite integrated. The Torrin presented a complex palate of dark fruit, earth tones and soil. It had an exceptional finish and had us all talking and marveling over it.
2 people found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comments (1)
2/16/2017 - danielbleier Likes this wine: 95 Points
Bursts of bright cherry and spice, backed with leather and cigar box. Feels very nimble and effortless, but has power.
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comment
2/13/2017 - mpricher Likes this wine: 92 Points
Positive experience with this bottle. Can see there's a mix of reviews on this one, and to be honest I had a bad experience with the the 2010 bottling just a few months ago. IMHO - this Grenache is best drank in the first few years, and offers its best young. Lots of luscious fruit and secondary notes. Sort of Jammy and full of life right now! Don't wait!
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comment
2/5/2017 - ledwards wrote: 89 Points
Lean styled wine. Rounds out a but with air.
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comment
12/16/2016 - J-Sho Likes this wine: 88 Points
Garnet in color with notes of red fruit, floral, and some cedar. Palate lighter and very soft with few tannins. Nice wine but found it just a bit simple. Maybe it could still use time
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comment
9/5/2016 - ELH wrote: 93 Points
Fruity and light on its feet, yet with depth. Lovely pairing with spicy brisket chilli.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
9/3/2016 - jonleerhp Likes this wine: 93 Points
Very pretty wine. Rich and pure with silky smooth finish. Dark and rich without being overly sugared. My guests really enjoyed this as did I. Booker continues to impress
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
6/12/2016 - rustyRudy Likes this wine: 93 Points
Dark garnet in color. Big nose of cedar, cherry, candy apple and vanilla. Opened and poured a large glass via Coravin and consumed over two hours. Had with grilled steak and salad with blue cheese, the later clashed a bit, then finished by the glass by itself. Fruit dominated palate of cherry vanilla, touch of blueberry, and finishes with a long finish of strawberry shortcake. For me this still young and fruit forward, better at two hours. Better balance and acidity at 2 hours, I will keep my other bottle for a while, recommend at least a two hour decant if you drink now.
2 people found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comment
4/14/2016 - Corrie Likes this wine: 92 Points
100% Grenache, very fresh, 13.8% ALC
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comment
4/10/2016 - bonedoc wrote: 92 Points
Ripe, slightly sweet versus the darker more balanced '13 outpost Grenache.
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comment
1/4/2016 - PopularCar wrote: 93 Points
Very good after 2 hour decant
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
7/24/2015 - afu wrote: 96 Points
This wine despite its youth is among my 5 all-time favorites. Perfectly balanced, seamless, big and rich yet light and agile everything is perfectly in place though I can only imagine what it will be like with some time settle down. Light in color, big nose and loads of red fruit. I cannot think of Grenache I've enjoyed more.
2 people found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comment
6/5/2015 - scott w Likes this wine: 92 Points
This was really good for being so young, strawberry earth and nice tannic grip. 13.9 ABV
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
5/22/2015 - rustyRudy Likes this wine: 94 Points
Wanted to try early since I had several bottles. Garnet red. Cigar, minerals and red fruit on nose and palate. Young and moderately tannic but fun to drink. Flavor profile dominated at this point by red raspberry and strawberry. Very tasty Grenache!
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
5/22/2015 - andrewdodd86 Likes this wine: 95 Points
Loved it. Young and a little tannic and tight. Strawberry/raspberry, great aromatics.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
4/5/2015 - TGOT Likes this wine: 95 Points
Perfectly integrated tannins. Dark fruits on the nose. Dark cherry and tobacco flavors.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
12/31/2014 - Neras Likes this wine: 96 Points
Vauw. What a great and wonderful wine. Lots of fruit on the nose and seamless, balanced, fruity on the palate. Great for drinking now!
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comment
11/22/2014 - SMagowan Likes this wine: 95 Points
Drank alongside a 2009 VT CDP "La Crau." Decanted for 2 hours and enjoyed with Boeuf Bourgignon. This is an awesome, heady wine with rich fruit undertones wrapped around a beautiful expression of Grenache. This equals the great Grenache of SQN at a fraction of the price. It is mouth-coating and immediately triggers the desire to talk about life, art and everything else. I've been enjoying Booker since their 2006 vintage and I am always happy with the wine they produce.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comments (1)
9/13/2014 - Jdubb1123 Likes this wine: 93 Points
Coravin sampling, could drink the whole bottle now and be very happy but will hold to see how it develops. Little sea salt, caramel, bright fruit with leather tastes.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
9/11/2014 - Bodes Likes this wine: 94 Points
First experience with Ripper. Really one of the great Rhone Ranger grenaches. Very impressed.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
8/30/2014 - shadow wrote: 96 Points
big hit of fresh fruit washes away leaving that rich residue of leather and smoked strawberry
2 people found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comment
7/18/2014 - RMundell Likes this wine: 94 Points
really nice big Grenache. One of my favorites.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment