Crafted from 100% Syrah and hailed as one of the world's finest examples of the varietal, the Booker Fracture Syrah 2019 showcases the pinnacle of Paso Robles winemaking. This flagship wine from Booker Vineyard embodies power and elegance, delivering an intensely expressive profile of blackberry, graphite, and smokey minerality. With layers of dark fruits, black pepper, and scorched earth, its robust tannins and vibrant acidity create a seamlessly balanced, full-bodied experience. Aged to perfection, this inky, bold Syrah finishes with rich notes of espresso and charred ribeye, making it an exceptional choice for pairing with hearty dishes. Designed to age gracefully, it promises decades of exceptional drinking for true connoisseurs.
Process & Profile
The Booker Fracture Syrah is named after the fractured limestone soils of the estate, which impart unique mineral qualities to the wine. Only the softest and highest-quality Syrah barrels are selected to craft this dense and powerful vintage. Each wine is a masterful representation of the region's potential, combining depth and energy. With alcohol levels around 14.7%, Fracture maintains a perfect balance, owing to its plush tannins and vibrant acidity. Designed for both immediacy and longevity, this wine gracefully evolves with cellaring, lasting up to 15 years in the bottle.
Tasting Notes
Prepare for a sensory journey when savoring this exceptional Syrah.
In the glass, Fracture is inky and opaque, hinting at the richness to come.
Aromas include dark plum, blackberry, graphite, and smoky accents like gunpowder and charcuterie.
On the palate, flavors of black cherry, blackberry cobbler, clove, roasted coffee, and floral pastilles dominate. Additional notes of ground black pepper, licorice, and crushed stone add layers of complexity. The wine's long, luxurious finish delivers touches of double espresso and seared ribeye, leaving an indelible impression.
What Makes It Special
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Unparalleled Terroir: Booker Vineyard's limestone-rich soils, which fracture naturally, are pivotal in shaping the wine's mineral-driven profile.
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Flagship Status: Fracture is often regarded as the pinnacle of Booker Wines' offerings, consistently praised by critics as one of the finest Syrahs globally.
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Aging Potential: This wine is built for both enthusiasts and collectors, benefiting from a few years of cellaring to fully integrate its bold flavors and refined structure.
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Artisanal Craftsmanship: Only the most outstanding barrels are chosen to create Fracture, ensuring each vintage meets rigorous quality standards.
How to Enjoy
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Pairing Suggestions: The intensity of Fracture pairs beautifully with robust dishes such as grilled ribeye, lamb chops, or a charcuterie board featuring cured meats, aged Gouda, and spiced nuts. For a unique twist, try it with truffle-infused dishes or dark chocolate desserts.
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Serving Temperature: Serve slightly below room temperature at 60–65°F (15–18°C) to preserve its intricate aromas and flavors.
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Decanting: Decant Fracture for at least one hour before serving to allow its bold profile and layered notes to fully emerge.
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Aging Advice: While ready to enjoy now, Fracture will develop further complexity over the next decade, making it an excellent wine to savor with time.
A Masterpiece in Every Bottle
Booker Fracture Syrah is more than a wine; it's an unforgettable experience. Whether you're a seasoned collector or a lover of bold and balanced reds, Fracture strikes the perfect chord of flavor, elegance, and age-worthiness. Experience a flagship Syrah that epitomizes the very best of Paso Robles.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Booker Fracture Syrah?
Booker Fracture is a premium, full-bodied Syrah made from 100% Syrah grapes grown in Paso Robles, California. It is renowned for its bold flavors, inky black color, and rich complexity, making it one of the world's most celebrated Syrahs.
What makes Fracture unique?
The wine is crafted from grapes grown in the Booker estate's calcareous limestone soils, which fracture under pressure, contributing to its distinctive flavors. Only the softest barrels of Syrah are selected for Fracture, resulting in a dense, powerful, and elegant wine.
What are the flavor notes and aroma profiles of Booker Fracture Syrah?
Fracture boasts intense aromas such as graphite, blackberry cobbler, and gunpowder. Its palate offers flavors of espresso, seared ribeye, and forest floor, with velvety textures and a long, graceful finish.
What foods pair well with Booker Fracture Syrah?
Fracture pairs beautifully with hearty dishes like braised short ribs, grilled steaks, or braised lamb shanks. It also complements sides with earthy flavors, such as sautéed mushrooms and broccolini topped with Pecorino Romano.
How should Booker Fracture Syrah be served?
It is best served between 60–68°F (15–20°C) and benefits from an hour of decanting to fully express its complex flavors.
What is the aging potential of Fracture?
Thanks to its high tannin content and acidity, Fracture Syrah has excellent aging potential, making it suitable for cellaring for up to 15 years to enhance its depth and complexity.
What is the alcohol content of Booker Fracture Syrah?
The alcohol content varies by vintage but typically lies around 14.7%.
How does Booker Fracture compare to other Syrahs?
Fracture is considered a standout Syrah due to its intense concentration, complexity, and balance. It epitomizes the bold style of New World Syrah while showcasing the unique terroir of Paso Robles.
Are there similar wines you recommend if I like Fracture?
If you enjoy Fracture, you might also like Booker's Vertigo or Tempranillo, which share similar bold characteristics and expert craftsmanship.
What are the tasting highlights of specific vintages?
- **2021 Fracture**: Exhibits aromas of blueberries, iodine, and leather, with kola nut and forest floor on the palate.
- **2020 Fracture**: Offers dark, concentrated flavors of blackberry, clove, and roasted coffee, with plush tannins and generous acidity.
- **2019 Fracture**: Features bold aromas of blackberry cobbler and espresso with a rich, weighty palate and an extended finish.
Where can I purchase Booker Fracture Syrah?
Booker Fracture is available for purchase directly through Booker Wines' website and select wine retailers. Availability may vary by vintage.