Niner Estate, Paso Robles (Central Coast, California) Estate Grown “Bootjack Red” 2019 ($30)

Located on the eastern side of Paso Robles, Niner’s Bootjack Ranch was the first vineyard acquired by the Niner family in 1999. Today its 84 acres consist primarily of Bordeaux varieties. Niner’s high end Bordeaux is “Fog Catcher,” and Bootjack Red is a Bordeaux blend priced within the budget of mere mortals. The blend varies widely with the vintage and in 2019 it was primarily Cabernet Franc (34%), Cabernet Sauvignon (33%) and Malbec at 20%. And from first sniff, this is exceptional with each component contributing to the total package. The aroma offers ripe black fruit along with some herbs and a little Cab Franc peppery note. The layered flavors bring together black fruit, cedar, and some herbaceousness held together by solid tannin and oak. It drinks nicely now, but has what it takes to last another decade.
94 Norm Roby