L'Aventure Optimus Estate 2018 Paso Robles

 

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Erin Brooks im Februar 2020:

A barrel sample blended of 53% Syrah. 30% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Petit Verdot. the 2018 Optimus is deep ruby-purple in color and scented of crème de cassis. baked blackberries. chocolate mint. wet clay. crushed blueberries and faint notions of lilac with an undercurrent of exotic spices. The palate is medium to full-bodied with lovely layering of spiced black and blue fruits. a detailed. finely pixelated frame and great freshness. finishing with loads of ripe fruit. I can’t wait to taste this from bottle!
 

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" "The 2018 Optimus marks the 20th vintage of our signature “crazy” blend. Back in 1998. when we started this journey in Paso Robles. Stephan had a vision or in his own words a “fantasy” of the blend he wanted to make. The blend was inspired in part from drinking Syrah/Cabernet blends and in other part from realizing that Petit Verdot was unbelievable in California and always ripe due to the optimal weather conditions. In 1998. with a half-built winery. purchased fruit from Paso Robles. and an idea in mind. the first vintage Optimus was made. This special blend is the reason why Stephan wanted to leave France and move somewhere where he had the freedom to make any type of blends. Today. the Optimus serves as the introduction to our lineup. Approachable and pleasurable. the Optimus makes you want to know more… To commemorate the 20th anniversary of this spectacular wine. we have created a special anniversary label. The 2018 Optimus features a reverse label. with a navy background and our L’Aventure logo embossed in a silver/gold foil. We will be using the same label throughout the years as our other wines reach their 20th anniversary."

100% estate grown fruit from L’Aventure Vineyard

Very low yield: 2.5 tons per acre
60% new French oak and 40% 1-year-old with malolactic fermentation
Length of aging: 14 months
No fining. no filtering
2200 cases produced