L'Aventure Optimus Estate 2014 Paso Robles - USA

Parker: The entry level cuvee that readers should snag a case of is the 2014 Optimus. Made from 42% Syrah, 33% Cabernet Sauvignon and 25% Petit Verdot, it's a supple, seamless and elegant wine that gives a small window into the quality and style from this terrific estate. Its deep purple color is followed by classy notes of black raspberries, spice box, dried flowers and underbrush in a full-bodied, balanced and lengthy package. It lacks the depth and length of the top cuvee here, but it is nevertheless a beautiful wine to drink over the coming 7-8 years. 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.