The Golden Vine - Tasting Notes

Booker Vineyard and Winery

2014 RLF Paso Robles AVA

Don’t be confused, yes Booker made a Pinot Noir. As many of you know RLF is our second label and was created in honor of my late father-in-law. My goal... Don’t be confused, yes Booker made a Pinot Noir. As many of you know RLF is our second label and was created in honor of my late father-in-law. My goal has always been to make a high quality wine at a friendly price. In 2014 the best fruit available was from Santa Rita Hills, Edna Valley and one of the most beautiful Pinot Vineyards in the world in San Simeon. This wine is definitely made to California style, and I think it will compare favorably with wines in the upper price range from Santa Lucia Highlands. The fruit comes from two different vineyards on the coast. One of which literally overlooks the water, and the other in Arroyo Grande about five minutes from the water. The alcohol is low, but the flavors are not. I'm not gonna lie, I was a bit nervous, being a Rhone guy and making a Pinot. Like any great wine, it always comes down to sourcing the best fruit and not screwing it up. Nearly half of this vintage was made in concrete, with the rest in new French Oak.

Pairing Suggestion:

Varietal:

Pinot Noir

Booker Vineyard and Winery

2014 Ripper Paso Robles AVA

With Ripper, my goal is to emulate the Southern Rhone's Chateauneuf du Pape. Unlike most wineries in California, this wine is 100% Grenache with no added... With Ripper, my goal is to emulate the Southern Rhone's Chateauneuf du Pape. Unlike most wineries in California, this wine is 100% Grenache with no added Syrah for color. Ripper is true to its variety showing red fruits like strawberries, raspberries as well as hints of bubble gum and cherry cola. I do not want to overwhelm this Grenache with wood, therefore the majority was aged in concrete and the rest in large-format used barrels.

Pairing Suggestion:

Varietal:

Grenache

Booker Vineyard and Winery

2013 Ripper Paso Robles AVA

The 2013 100% Grenache takes me back to the old Ripper days, but keeping ripe red fruit flavors of 2010-2012. This version is more textural than the past... The 2013 100% Grenache takes me back to the old Ripper days, but keeping ripe red fruit flavors of 2010-2012. This version is more textural than the past 3 vintages, while still maintaining the bright red cherry and raspberry notes. It finishes with hints of kirsch and cherry cola.

Pairing Suggestion:

Varietal:

Grenache

Booker Vineyard and Winery

2011 Ripper Paso Robles AVA

This 100% grenache is eerily similar to last year. Beautiful bright red strawberries and rasberries, yet still has texture that most grenaches lack. I... This 100% grenache is eerily similar to last year. Beautiful bright red strawberries and rasberries, yet still has texture that most grenaches lack. I believe this will be received as good or better than the 201

Pairing Suggestion:

Varietal:

Grenache

Booker Vineyard and Winery

2010 Ripper Paso Robles AVA

One of our more coveted wines, the Ripper is a stunner that is not produced yearly. Changing with each vintage, the 2010 is pure Chateauneuf in style with... One of our more coveted wines, the Ripper is a stunner that is not produced yearly. Changing with each vintage, the 2010 is pure Chateauneuf in style with intensely layered red fruit and sweet tobacco. This wine is 100% Grenache/ most of which was aged in cement tanks and the balance in used, large format French oak barrels. The Ripper is one of the most pure expressions of Booker Vineyard. Give this elegant lady about 6 months before ripping away!

Pairing Suggestion:

Varietal:

Grenache

Booker Vineyard and Winery

2012 Ripper Paso Robles AVA

This Grenache beauty rips around your palate with bright fruit and it’s usual elegance. Aged in neutral 500L puncheons for twenty-four months, the extended... This Grenache beauty rips around your palate with bright fruit and it’s usual elegance. Aged in neutral 500L puncheons for twenty-four months, the extended version shows off with more of a full-bodied richness and a bouquet of dried rose petals on the nose.

Pairing Suggestion:

Varietal:

Grenache

Booker Vineyard and Winery

2014 Oublie Paso Robles AVA

Arguably the biggest and most concentrated Oublie ever, this wine reminds me of a Chateauneuf du Pape Vieilles Vignes from Marcoux or Janasse. Lots of... Arguably the biggest and most concentrated Oublie ever, this wine reminds me of a Chateauneuf du Pape Vieilles Vignes from Marcoux or Janasse. Lots of ripe red fruit characteristics but a gorgeously proportioned mid-palate that you don't usually get from Grenache and Mourvedre. Feel free to crack this wine anytime.

Pairing Suggestion:

Varietal:

Grenache / Mourvèdre / Counoise

Booker Vineyard and Winery

2013 Oublie 24 Paso Robles AVA

Wow! If vintners in Chateaneuf du Pape could only taste this one! Every year this wine continues to get better and better. Always Grenache/ Mourvèdre,... Wow! If vintners in Chateaneuf du Pape could only taste this one! Every year this wine continues to get better and better. Always Grenache/ Mourvèdre, and Counoise, the extended version shows beautiful red fruit but still boasts a massive mid-palate. Ready to drink now or age for five years for that sweet spot.

Pairing Suggestion:

Varietal:

Grenache / Mourvèdre / Counoise

Booker Vineyard and Winery

2012 RLF Paso Robles AVA

Also returning is RLF, a tribute to my beloved father-in-law who was extremely influential in my wine life. Like the '11, this wine is a finessed, every-day... Also returning is RLF, a tribute to my beloved father-in-law who was extremely influential in my wine life. Like the '11, this wine is a finessed, every-day drinker. A lot of you were hesitant last time…but we have never received so many re-orders for any one wine since the '05 Ripper.

Pairing Suggestion:

Varietal:

Grenache / Syrah

Booker Vineyard and Winery

2014 Sweet Paso Robles AVA

This will be our last Sweet wine bottled. I know I have only made two, but this was exactly what I was trying to accomplish when I set out to make a sweet... This will be our last Sweet wine bottled. I know I have only made two, but this was exactly what I was trying to accomplish when I set out to make a sweet wine. I’m just going to come out and say it. It is superior to the last Sweet bottled in every way. I am so confident about this sweet wine that I would buy back any unopened bottles! Therefore, this collector’s item will also be the last. Send me your feedback, I want to make sure I’m not alone in this world!

Pairing Suggestion:

Varietal:

Petit Manseng