L'AVENTURE OPTIMUS Paso Robles 2017

Wine region: California - USA

Grape: 49% Syrah, 41% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Petit Verdot

Tasting note:The 2017 Optimus was brought up in 60% new French oak. It reveals a vivid purple color as well as notes blackberries, ground herbs, caramelized meat, and hints of chocolate. Beautifully balanced and full-bodied, it has a seamless, incredibly delicious style and is a brilliant introduction to the wines of this estate.

About the winery:Stephan Asseo, owner and winemaker at L'Aventure Winery, began making wine in 1982, following his education at L'Ecole Oenologique de Macon, Burgundy, France. In that same year, Stephan established Domaine de Courteillac in Bordeaux, and later purchased Chateau Fleur Cardinal and Chateau Robin in the Cotes de Castillion, Bordeaux. In 1996, looking for more freedom in his winemaking process, he, his wife, Beatrice and his three children, left France on a quest for a great terroir, where he could pursue his ideal as a winemaker. After searching for over a year Stephan and Beatrice immediately "fell in love" with the unique terroir of west side Paso Robles. The rolling topography of the Santa Lucia Mountain Range, the deep calcareous soils, and the maritime influences of the renowned Templeton Gap all combine to produce a world class wine country, with the potential to craft some of the world's greatest blends. It is here, in Paso Robles, that Stephan and his family began their adventure, "L'Aventure" in 1998.