The 2019 Booker Vineyard Oublie is a distinguished red proprietary blend from the Paso Robles sub-appellation in San Luis Obispo, California. This wine, produced by Booker Vineyard, consists of 34% Grenache, 31% Syrah, 27% Mourvèdre, 4% Tannat, and 4% Petite Sirah. It is notable for its 14.1% alcohol content and is sealed with a traditional cork.
James Suckling, from jamessuckling.com, awarded this wine a score of 96, highlighting its "beautiful purity of fruit" with "blueberry and dried-orange character." He described it as "very grapey" and praised its "lively and bright, citrus finish," adding that it is a "real wine," suitable for immediate drinking or holding.
Jeb Dunnuck from jebdunnuck.com gave the wine a score of 94. He noted its "deep purple hue" and the presence of "terrific blackberry and darker cherry fruits." Dunnuck also mentioned notes of "spice, chocolate, and ground pepper," appreciating its "deep, rich, medium to full-bodied" character and perfect balance. He suggested it has "another 10-15 years of prime drinking."
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate provided the highest score, a 97, emphasizing its "medium ruby-purple color" and a nose offering "gregarious mixed berry preserves" with accents of "potpourri, mint, and fragrant earth." The palate was described as having "juicy appeal and powerful fruit" with "loads of spice and floral perfume," finishing "very long" with firm, rustic tannins.
Wine Spectator rated it 92, mentioning flavors of "black raspberry, smoky garrigue, and black licorice" that build richness and structure toward "medium-grained tannins." They suggested it is ready to drink now through 2029.
Wine Enthusiast's Matt Kettmann also awarded a score of 96 and praised its "wildly complex" nose, ranging from "boysenberry and black plum to packed lavender, black pepper, and dried beef." He noted floral aspects on the palate, combining "elderflower to violet" with "black plum intensity," and recommended drinking now through 2035.
Vinous' Josh Reynolds gave it a 95, describing "highly perfumed aromas of fresh dark berries, cherry cola, pungent flowers, and sandalwood," with a hint of smokiness. He found the flavors "intense, sharply detailed" with "blueberry, bitter cherry, candied lavender, and exotic spice," closing "juicy, focused, and very long."
Overall, the 2019 Booker Vineyard Oublie is a complex and well-balanced blend that has garnered high praise across the board, with several reviewers noting its potential for aging.