2013 L'Aventure Optimus
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Tasting notes
Saturated ruby. Sexy, expansive aromas of ripe red and dark berries, sandalwood and pipe tobacco. Seamless and appealingly sweet on the palate, offering juicy black raspberry and floral pastille flavors and a subtle touch of vanilla. Closes smooth, sweet and long, with gentle tannins appearing late and contributing shapeliness.
Critic scores
Average Score
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
Josh Raynolds
More reviews and scores
The estate's entry-level wine that's always based on Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot, the 2013 Optimus offers lots of graphite, earth and peppery herbs to go with tons of red and black fruit characteristics. A full-bodied, rich and layered red that epitomizes Paso Robles, it has beautiful freshness, a silky texture and a great finish. Drink it anytime over the coming decade.
Blackberry jam, cloves, cassis, new leather and spices burst from the glass in the 2013 Optimus. Today, the tannins are a bit firm, but that should not be much of an issue in another year. The 2013 is dark, juicy and explosive to the core. Optimus is a Syrah/Cabernet Sauvignon/Petit Verdot blend.
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.