2007 L'Aventure Optimus
Estimated value
Buying options
Tasting notes
(45% syrah, 40% cabernet sauvignon and 15% petit verdot) Inky ruby. Pungent aromas of blackcurrant, cherry-vanilla, tobacco and licorice, with a strong note of peppery herbs. Supple and fine-grained, offering sweet cherry and dark berry flavors and a dusting of fine-grained tannins. Becomes spicier with air and finishes with excellent clarity and clinging floral notes. This extremely young wine deserves patience.
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Josh Raynolds
More reviews and scores
The sexiest offering at present is the 2007 Optimus Proprietary red, a blend of 45% Syrah, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 15% Petit Verdot. More fruit-forward than the 2006, the 2007 gushes with blackberry and cassis fruit, smoky, burning embers, charcoal, and toasty new oak. Full-bodied and powerful with supple tannins, decent acids, and an overall impression of voluptuousness as well as extravagant fruit and opulence, it should drink beautifully for a decade. One of the reference point producers in Paso Robles, Frenchman Stephan Asseo continues to turn out an intriguing as well as provocative range of brilliant red wines. Sadly, his 2008 Roussanne, which I usually love, was not presented for tasting. Tel. (805) 227-1588; Fax (805) 227-6988
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.