2018 L'Aventure Estate Cuvée Willow Creek District
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Tasting notes
A classic feel to this 2018, less exuberant than the 2016, more refined in fruit character, with bilberry, cassis and raspberry leaf, with clear spice, dried herbs and concentrated liqourice. The tannic grip closes in fairly early, and you feel the linearity of the wine stretching out in the palate. It will benefit from another few years in bottle. The high alcohol is well handled, but I suggest erring on the side of cool temperature for serving. 100% new oak. First vintage with a shade cloth during the growing season to protect the grapes.
Critic scores
The Wine Advocate
Tom Parker MW, jancisrobinson.com
More reviews and scores
This is incredible, offering red fruit, peach and some honeysuckle. Medium to full body, creamy tannins and a flavorful finish. Tight and focused.
Dark, shimmering ruby. A highly perfumed, expansive bouquet evokes ripe red/blue fruits, along with suggestions of licorice, mocha, pungent flowers and smoky minerals. Concentrated, palate-staining blueberry, cherry cola and candied lavender flavors are given spine and lift by a core of juicy acidity. The mineral and floral notes drive a strikingly persistent finish that leaves cherry liqueur and exotic spice notes behind. (JR)
Deep, glass-staining violet. Powerful, mineral- and smoke-accented blueberry, cherry liqueur, incense and pipe tobacco aromas show outstanding definition and pick up suggestions of mocha and exotic spices with air. Offers deeply concentrated black/blue fruit, cherry-vanilla, espresso and bitter chocolate flavors; a spicy flourish emerges as the wine stretches out. Finishes smooth, energetic and extremely long, with youthful, slowly building tannins and lingering suggestions of candied flowers and smoky minerals.
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.