Saxum Booker Vineyard Paso Robles 2010

98 points Jeb Dunnuck (Wine Advocate): "The 2010 Syrah Booker Vineyard -- a blend of 81% Syrah and 19% Mourvedre -- is about as textbook a representation of a Paso Robles Syrah as I can think of. Locked and loaded with notions of ripe black and blue fruits, smoke, bouquet garni, espresso, and licorice, it is unabashedly full-bodied, rich, and yet elegant on the palate. Showing real class, as well as first-rate freshness, superb depth and concentration, and masses of tannin, this blockbuster Syrah needs a solid 3-4 years of bottle age to flesh out, and will keep for 15-20 years or more. (Jul 2014)"

95 points Antonio Galloni (Vinous): "A full-throttle Paso Syrah, the 2010 Booker Vineyard explodes onto the palate with an exotic melange of black fruit, smoke, tar and game. The style is decidedly masculine, virile and imposing. There is an immediacy to the Booker that is impossible to miss. At the same time, this is a wine that tells you everything right up front. Might there be something more to discover in this site? The 2010 is 81% Syrah and 19% Mourvèdre, aged in 350 liter barrels, 60-70% new. (Jul 2013)"

94 points Wine Spectator: "A sizable wine that's rich, intense and harmonious, with a nuanced mix of extracted blackberry, spice, plum, licorice and cigar box flavors. Best to cellar. Syrah and Mourvèdre. Best from 2014 through 2024. 500 cases made. (3/31/13)"

94 points Josh Raynolds (International Wine Cellar): "(81% syrah and 19% mourvedre): Inky purple. An explosively perfumed bouquet evokes spicy red and dark berry liqueur, Indian spices, vanilla and floral oils. Spicy black raspberry and cherry-vanilla flavors are complicated by notes of violet pastille and show a plush, seamless texture. Gains weight with air but retains clarity. The spicy note carries through an impressively long, juicy finish, which features ripe, harmonious tannins. (Nov/Dec 2012)"