L'Aventure Côte à Côte 2014 Paso Robles, USA

Robert Parker
96/100 punten
Looking at the 2014s, these are serious wines that are reminiscent of Stephan's sensational 2012s (which were some of the top rated wines in the vintage). The 2014 Cote a Cote is 50% Grenache, 28% Mourvedre and 22% Syrah, all from the limestone soils of the estate L'Aventure vineyard. Deep, full-bodied, gorgeously layered and with plenty of fine tannin, this big, rich 2014 is loaded with notions of cassis, toasted spice, peppery herbs and graphite. Still backwards and tight, yet loaded with potential, give bottles 2-3 years and enjoy over the following decade.One of the reference point estates in Paso Robles is unquestionably Stephan Asseo's l'Aventure. Located just off of highway 46, in the middle of the appellation, Stephan now producers six red cuvees: The entry level Optimus based on Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot; The Cote a Cote based on Grenache, with smaller parts Mourvedre and Syrah; The Demoiselles based largely on Mourvedre; the Cuvee Chloe, named after Stephan's daughter and always blend of 70/30 Syrah and Grenache; The Estate Cuvee based on Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon (there's always a small portion of Petit Verdot); and lastly, the For Her cuvee, based on Syrah, Mourvedre, Grenache and Viognier. In addition to these, he makes a sensational Rhone themed white. This estate has just completed construction on a new cave, and 2016 will be the first vintage completely aged here.