L'Aventure Optimus 2018

De eigenzinnige wijnmaker Stephan Asseo emigreerde ruim 20 jaar geleden van Bordeaux naar Amerika om daar wijn te gaan maken. Stephan had helemaal niets op met de regelgeving in Bordeaux en verliet derhalve zijn Domaine de Courteillac in Ruch (nabij Saint-Emilion) om zijn droom te verwezenlijken in Paso Robles, Californië. Hij kocht er wijngaarden aan en is inmiddels een zeer gevierd wijnmaker op zijn beroemde l’Aventure Winery.

Kijk onder de tab Awards voor de ratings & proefnotities van zijn Optimus 2018 door de internationale wijnpers.

The Wine Advocate
92/100 punten
A blend of 56% Syrah, 32% Cabernet Sauvignon and 12% Petit Verdot aged in 60% new French oak, the 2018 Optimus is the 20th edition of the cuvée and contains a touch less Petit Verdot than usual. It has a deep ruby-purple color and opens perfumed with crushed red and black cherries, dried violet, salumi and bay leaves with bright touches of blood orange peel. The medium to full-bodied palate is layered and surprisingly light on its feet, with a finely defined tannic grain and good freshness, finishing long.

Vinous
93/100 punten
Saturated ruby. Sharply focused aromas of cherry and dark berries, exotic spices, vanilla and incense; a smoky mineral top-note builds in the glass. Sappy, sweet and energetic on the palate, showing strong lift and powerful thrust to the spice-tinged cassis, cherry and floral pastille flavors. At once rich and lively, displaying fine definition on an impressively long, gently tannic finish that leaves a suave floral note behind.

Jeb Dunnuck
94/100 punten
A normal blend of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Petite Sirah, and 10% Syrah, the 2018 Optimus reveals a deep purple color as well as beautiful notes of crème de cassis, black licorice, tobacco, chocolate, and a rocky, earthy minerality. It's rich and medium to full-bodied, with beautiful purity and silky tannins. This is a terrific introduction into the wines of l'Aventure and will drink well for over a decade.