2020 L'Aventure Optimus
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Tasting notes
58% Syrah, 31% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Petit Verdot. Yield 2.5 ton/acre. Aged for 14 months in French oak, 65% new, remainder second use. Bottled March 2022. Incense and tar on both the nose and palate push this wine to the limit. Very sweet and jammy in style, it is impressively concentrated and plump, but it would be a struggle to drink more than a glass. (TP)
Critic scores
Average Score
Tom Parker MW, jancisrobinson.com
Tom Parker MW, jancisrobinson.com
More reviews and scores
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.
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.
58% Syrah, 31% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Petit Verdot. Very deep colour. Dense nose of blueberry and blackberry. Opulent, with the more medicinal edge of Syrah on show. This is voluptuous with cloaked, but persistent, tannins. Spicy and quite heady in alcohol, this is full throttle but seductive. (TP)
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.