2010 L'Aventure Estate Cuvee
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Tasting notes
Tobacco leaf and clove combine with plum sauce, pencil shavings and cocoa as the 2010 Estate Cuvée seduces the taster from the glass. The balance here is remarkable, perfectly ripe yet refined, with citrus-laced wild berry fruit and tactile mineral tones over silken textures. Vibrant acidity maintains fabulous energy as citrus-infused black cherries pinch the cheeks, and residual tannins add a gentle firmness. The 2010 is pure class, in a perfect drinking window.
Critic scores
Average Score
Jeb Dunnuck
James Suckling
More reviews and scores
The 2010 Estate Cuvee is an infant that still has a jammy, unevolved character. Showing every bit as good as when I tasted it on release, it offers up a stunning bouquet of blackberry, cassis, chocolate, graphite and liquid smoke that flows to a full-bodied, layered and decidedly pure profile on the palate. Shining as much for its elegance and purity as for its richness and depth, it possesses fine tannin, good acidity and a big finish. Give it 4-5 years in the cellar and enjoy it through 2030. Tel. (805) 227-1588; www.aventurewine.com
This is holding on, with a lifted nose of green olives and currants, as well as some cedar and other wood. Green coffee beans, too. Full and layered. Goes to light currant jam. A little old-school. 42% syrah, 42% cabernet sauvignon and 16% petit verdot. Drink or hold.
(42% syrah, 42% cabernet sauvignon and 16% petit verdot; 15.7% alcohol): Dark purple. Explosively perfumed bouquet of cherry-cola, dark berries, pipe tobacco and potpourri. Spicy, deep blackberry, cassis and violet pastille flavors are complicated by suave vanilla and allspice nuances. Gains weight with but maintains clarity on the impressively long, juicy, subtly tannic finish, leaving behind a sexy floral quality.
About the producer
L’Aventure is one of the leading wine estates in Paso Robles, California. It was founded by Stephan Asseo and his wife Beatrice who left their native France in 1997 in search of a place to make wine without the restrictions of France’s appellation system.