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B-21 Top Recommendation
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From a boutique Paso Robles winery producing some of the region's highest rated red blends, these highly allocated 2020 L'Aventure Winery selections are among the top scoring wines of the vintage, a range of terroir-driven red blends described as "flat out stunning" by Eric Guido of Vinous from superstar winemaker Stephan Asseo and well-priced for Paso fans to scoop up and enjoy over the next decade.
After 17 vintages of winemaking at his own estates in Bordeaux, maverick winemaker Stephan Asseo was looking to escape the restrictions of the AOC system in France when he found inspiration on the west side of Paso Robles, enchanted with the rolling topography of the Santa Lucia Mountain Range and its deep calcareous soils influenced by the nearby Pacific. Driven by his passion for crafting terroir expressive blends and described as "a force to be reckoned with" by Eric Guido of Vinous, Stephan established L'Aventure Winery in 1998, planting both Bordeaux and Rhone varietals to produce creative red wine blends that have quietly gained a cult following while racking up critical acclaim including multiple 100 pt. scores. Located on an estate spanning 127 acres with 57 acres planted to vine, the sustainably farmed L'Aventure vineyard is comprised of multiple sloping hills of varied elevations influenced by sea breezes funneling through the renowned Templeton Gap, the dramatic temperature variations extending the grapes' hang time and enhancing complexity and balance. Blending mostly Syrah with Cabernet Sauvignon and a little Petit Verdot, Stephan aged the powerful 95 pt. 2020 L'Aventure Optimus in 65% new French oak and 35% 1-year old French oak for 14 months, its energetic dark fruit hinting of pepper and graphite and described as "texturally thrilling" by Eric Guido of Vinous with "zesty acidity" and a long-lived finish. Mostly Grenache blended with Syrah and Mourvedre, the full-bodied and lush 98 pt. 2020 L'Aventure Estate Cote a Cote is "a gorgeous wine" offering "beautiful fruit as well as serious length" according to Jeb Dunnuck, aged for 14 months in a mix of 1-year old and new French oak along with concrete tank and amphora to reveal muscular tannins built for more than a decade of aging. Declared "unquestionably one of the wines of the vintage" by Jeb Dunnuck, Stephan blended mostly Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon with a small amount of Petit Verdot in the flagship 99 pt. 2020 L'Aventure Estate Cuvee, a robustly structured blend of "epic length" according Vinous critic Eric Guido, aged in 81% new French oak and 19% 1-year old French oak for 15 months to yield perfectly integrated oak balanced by vibrant acidity.
Described by Jeb Dunnuck as "some of the best wines in Paso in 2020" and "impressive across the board," fans and collectors of powerfully built, top rated Paso Robles reds will want to move quickly to secure this limited release from 2020 L'Aventure at specially negotiated pricing and savor these beautifully crafted red blends over the next decade or more. |
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A blend of 58% Syrah, 31% Cabernet Sauvignon and 11% Petit Verdot, the 2020 Optimus has a deep ruby color and a deep core of red and black cherries, chargrill, thyme, charcuterie and desiccated violet. The full-bodied palate is light on its feet with juicy acidity and approachable grainy tannins, and it has a long, layered finish.
95 points, Erin Brooks, Wine Advocate (Issue # 264 - Dec 2022)
The darkly floral 2020 Optimus impresses with a spicy blend of crushed black raspberries, dusty florals and olive tapenade. This is texturally thrilling and creamy in feel. Zesty acidity adds impressive energy, with depths of dark red fruits and savory spice that swirl throughout. It finishes incredibly long, communicating power and a classic tannic structure that frames the experience without slowing its momentum.
94 points, Eric Guido, Vinous (May 2023)
Grilled meat, bacon fat, tobacco and olives to the nose that follow through to a medium- to full-bodied palate with rich, creamy tannins. 58% syrah, 31% cabernet sauvignon, 11% petit verdot. Drink now or hold.
94 points, James Suckling (Nov 2022)
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