Thursday, October 26th, 2023
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Three L'Aventure Stunners on Last Call
Ratings: WA 95, JS 94, VM 94, DM 93
Stock: 36 bottles left
$64.97 / $59.97 (6+)
Ratings: JD 100, WA 96, VM 96, JS 96
Stock: 16 bottles left
$109.97
Ratings: JD 100, VM 97, JS 97, WA 96+
Stock: 12 bottles left
$119.97
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Esteemed Artisans,
In 1996, Stephan Asseo, proprietor of Chateau Fleur Cardinal and Chateau Robin, reached his limit with the restrictive AOC laws prevailing in Bordeaux.
He ventured to Napa Valley, where he sought guidance from renowned estates like Dominus and Opus One. They, in turn, directed his attention to the enchanting Willow Creek District in Paso Robles. The rest, as they say, is history made of pure delight.
I embarked on a journey to L'Aventure Winery back in the Summer, securing for you their two phenomenal flagship wines that garnered a perfect 100-point score (an exceptional accomplishment we sold out of more than two years ago)
Both are coveted and extremely limited-production wines with less than 2,000 cases made. I "muled" these treasures back for so our Artisans can have in their cellars!
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Back in 2021, even before the 100-point ratings, we were allocated only 18 bottles of the Estate Cuvee, and none of the Cote a Cote.
This is the finest vintage we've ever tasted from them, and clearly, nothing is stopping their progress. In fact: I tasted the 2012, 2014, and 2016 Estate Cuvee—all bottles had been open for TWO DAYS, no gas—and there was NO sign of oxidation. All proved how effortless these wines age, and I can bet my reputation they'll easily challenge the best of Napa and Sonoma.
Congrats to Stephan Asseo for carrying Paso onto the world stage of fine wines! His mentorship helped bring us labels such as Booker Vineyards, which is why he is their "Favorite Neighbor"
Note about the "Optimus" Estate: an absolute steal for an exotic, yet seriously fine red that combines the absolute best qualities that you love in Bordeaux, Rhone and Napa Valley... and remains uniquely their version of Paso. The idea for this wine happened 20 years ago when Stephan was drinking a bottle of Domaine de Trevallon (an elite and rare Cult French Syrah/Cab blend) with his good friend and consulting winemaker Michel Rolland (considered one of the greatest winemakers in the world with his resume containing Ornellaia, Harlan, Dalla Valle, Bryant Family, Angelus, Pavie, Pontet-Canet, Ausone and plenty more...) and they agreed that they would be able to make something spectacular together.
Though the wines are becoming harder to collect, they're still absolutely worth all the effort when you can find them. That's why I drove these bottles back myself. Don't miss out on real American Cult Wine without the exorbitant prices.
All my best,
—James Tran
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2020 L'Aventure Estate "Optimus"
Willow Creek District, Paso Robles
58% Syrah, 31% Cabernet Sauvignon and 11% Petit Verdot
95 Points - Robert Parker's WA:
"A blend of 58% Syrah, 31% Cabernet Sauvignon and 11% Petit Verdot, the 2020 Optimus has a deep ruby color and a deep core of red and black cherries, chargrill, thyme, charcuterie and desiccated violet. The full-bodied palate is light on its feet with juicy acidity and approachable grainy tannins, and it has a long, layered finish." - Erin Brooks (December, 2022)
94 Points - James Suckling:
"Grilled meat, bacon fat, tobacco and olives to the nose that follow through to a medium- to full-bodied palate with rich, creamy tannins. 58% syrah, 31% cabernet sauvignon, 11% petit verdot. Drink now or hold." (October, 2022)
94 Points - Vinous:
"The darkly floral 2020 Optimus impresses with a spicy blend of crushed black raspberries, dusty florals and olive tapenade. This is texturally thrilling and creamy in feel. Zesty acidity adds impressive energy, with depths of dark red fruits and savory spice that swirl throughout. It finishes incredibly long, communicating power and a classic tannic structure that frames the experience without slowing its momentum." - Eric Guido (May 2023)
93 Points - Decanter:
"Tobacco, tar, dark chocolate, floral touches, bitter blood orange, scrubland herbs - so much going on the nose, really aromatic and expressive in a dark, sticky way. Gorgeously lifted and lively, full of bright and crunchy red fruits that you're just not expecting after the nose, this is direct but it has a pristine quality to it. Tannis are fine and the whole taste is just so clean. Juicy, mouthwatering and joyful, really bright and playful, I love the whole lifted tone, almost verging on tangy and sour but just keeps the depth. You get a bit of saltiness too on the finish. I like this a lot, especially the touch of metallic, iron-filing, blood on the finish. Characterful. The first vintage to use an optical sorted at harvest. Ageing 14 months in French oak (65% new and 35% in one year old)."
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36 bottles left
Online Average: $67.00
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2019 L'Aventure Estate Cote a Cote
Willow Creek District, Paso Robles
34% Grenache, 32% Syrah, and 34% Mourvèdre
100 Points - Jeb Dunnuck:
"Another magical wine from this estate is the 2019 Côte à Côte, a blend of 34% each of Grenache and Mourvèdre, with the balance Syrah. Brought up in 29% new French oak, it boasts a dense purple color as well as incredible aromatics of blue fruits, smoked game, violets, black pepper, and spring flowers. One of those incredibly complex, nuanced wines that still brings depth and richness on the palate, it’s perfectly balanced, has ultra-fine tannins, and a gorgeous finish. It’s the finest vintage of Côte à Côte ever produced. Drink it over the coming 15+ years. Stephan Asseo, who’s assisted more and more by assistant winemaker Patrick Davies, continues to keep his L’Aventure estate near the top of the pyramid in Paso Robles. This report looks at the 2019s and 2020s, and both appear to be beautiful vintages. The 2019s are some of the finest wines I’ve tasted at this estate and have a rare mix of power and vibrancy, with incredible aromatics and sensational purity and precision on the palate. Drink between 2021-2037." (9/30/21)
96 Points - Vinous:
"Bright ruby-red. A complex, spice-accented bouquet displays cherry cola, blackberry, vanilla and lavender scents. Expressive, appealingly sweet red and blue fruit, floral pastille and spicecake flavors are complemented by a suggestion of smoky minerality. Shows fine definition and powerful, spicy lift on a strikingly long, gently tannic finish that strongly echoes the floral and red fruit notes. 2025-2034." - Josh Raynolds (7/22)
96 Points - James Suckling:
"Blackberry, clove, walnut and blueberry aromas follow through to a full-bodied palate with a solid core of fruit that is framed by toned tannins that together give length and presence. Grenache, syrah and mourvedre. One-third of each. Better after 2025." (3/7/22)
96 Points - Robert Parker's WA:
"The 2019 Côte a Côte is stunning this year, made up of 34% Grenache, 34% Syrah and 32% Mourvèdre. It has alluring, savory-tinged scents of blood orange, tar, aniseed and dried flowers with an undercurrent of spicy accents. The palate is ultra classy and pure, with fine, pixelated tannins, uplifting acidity and slowly opening layers of perfumed fruit that drive the very long finish. 2022-2037." - Erin Brooks (3/15/22)
16 bottles left
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2019 L'Aventure Estate Estate Cuvée
Willow Creek District, Paso Robles
100 Points - Jeb Dunnuck:
"Pure perfection from Paso Robles, the 2019 Estate Cuvee checks in as 50% Syrah, 45% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 15% Petit Verdot that was raised in 81% new French oak. Incredible cassis and black berry fruits as well as violets, chocolate, graphite, and who knows what else emerges from the glass, and it hits the palate with full-bodied richness, a concentrated yet weightless mouthfeel, building tannins, and a great finish. It’s more seamless and approachable than the more backward, structured 2018 and will have two decades of prime drinking."
97 Points - Vinous:
"Opaque ruby. A highly complex, expansive bouquet evokes smoke-accented black and blue fruits, oak spices, incense, mocha and potpourri. Sappy, sharply delineated cassis, blueberry and cherry preserve flavors show energetic mineral lift and betray no rough edges. In an ample but lively style, finishing smoky and wonderfully long, with a resonating cherry note and chewy tannins that sneak in late." - Josh Raynolds (Jul 2022)
97 Points - James Suckling:
"Blackcurrants, crushed stone and lavender with some rosemary. Full-bodied, yet it spirals deep and true on the palate, with creamy tannins and a dark, brooding finish. Provocative on the palate. Asphalt and spice notes. 50% syrah, 35% cabernet sauvignon and 15% petit verdot. Drinkable now or try after 2025, but you should really give this at least another five years in the bottle." (3/31/22)
96+ Points - Robert Parker's WA:
"The 2019 Estate Cuvée, a blend of 50% Syrah, 35% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Petit Verdot, has a deep ruby-purple color and fragrant aromas of cassis, licorice, dried roses, leather and youthful new oak spice. The full-bodied palate is silky and uplifted, with fine, savory accents and a very long, mineral-driven finish. It deserves another 3-5 years in bottle and will be long lived in the cellar." -Erin Brooks (3/15/22)
12 bottles left
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How may we assist you?
Text us @ 650-880-3553
Call us @ 650-917-8080
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