L'Aventure Optimus 2003

The inky/purple-tinged 2003 Estate Cuvee (66% Cabernet Sauvignon, 28% Syrah, and 6% Petit Verdot) exhibits a restrained/reticent bouquet. With coaxing, lovely aromas of camphor, cassis, truffles, and vanilla emerge from this full-bodied, powerful, sweet blend. It boasts both profound depth and formidable structure. Forget it for 2andndash;3 years and enjoy it over the following 10andndash;15.

66% Cabernet sauvignon, 28% Syrah and 6% Petit Verdot. Bright, dark red. Liqueur-like yet lively aromas of blackberry, maraschino cherry, graphite, violet, licorice and dark chocolate. Very suave and silky, with lovely acids leavening the wineandrsquo;s sweetness. Began a bit youthfully grapey, but the black fruit flavors were joined by spices, pepper and licorice as the wine opened in the glass. Very long, very ripe and impressive. Asseo describes this wine as his interpretation of Paso Robles.

The inky/purple-tinged 2003 Estate Cuvee (66% Cabernet Sauvignon, 28% Syrah, and 6% Petit Verdot) exhibits a restrained/reticent bouquet. With coaxing, lovely aromas of camphor, cassis, truffles, and vanilla emerge from this full-bodied, powerful, sweet blend. It boasts both profound depth and formidable structure. Forget it for 2–3 years and enjoy it over the following 10–15.

Firm tannins dominate the texture and give this young wine an austere edge, with only glimpses of wild berry, currant and spice. On the finish the tannins return to center stage. Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot. Drink now through 2009. 2,000 ca

66% Cabernet sauvignon, 28% Syrah and 6% Petit Verdot. Bright, dark red. Liqueur-like yet lively aromas of blackberry, maraschino cherry, graphite, violet, licorice and dark chocolate. Very suave and silky, with lovely acids leavening the wine’s sweetness. Began a bit youthfully grapey, but the black fruit flavors were joined by spices, pepper and licorice as the wine opened in the glass. Very long, very ripe and impressive. Asseo describes this wine as his interpretation of Paso Robles.