2020 L'Aventure Optimus

Stephan Asseo, founder and winemaker at L’Aventure Winery, came to Paso Robles in California seeking more freedom to express his winemaking ideals than was allowed while working in Bordeaux. Falling in love with the rolling topography of the Santa Lucia Mountain Range, he felt the deep calcareous soils, and the maritime influence had the potential to craft some of the world’s greatest blends. So far he's been proven right, and his array of red blends has quickly resulted in wines which have earned high scores and critical acclaim. These are rich and deeply impressive wines from one of the most talented winemakers in America.

Other Reviews....
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. Drink 2023 - 2028.
95 points
Erin Brooks - Wine Advocate (Dec 2022)

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. Drink 2025-2031.
94 points
Eric Guido - Vinous (Dec 2022)

The entry level Optimus is always a sure bet, and the 2020 has lots to love, offering plenty of up-front dark fruit, pepper, and graphite notes in a full-bodied, deep, textured style.
92-94 points
Jeb Dunnuck

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). Drink: 2024 - 2036.
93 points
Georgina Hindle - Decanter

Owner Stephan Asseo is from Bordeaux, and continues to make waves from his limestone-dominant Paso Robles soils. Smoked red and black fruits, hedonistic with an extremely welcome kick of rust and crushed rock. This is classic Californian Syrah, fennel and turmeric, with a salt-rimmed limestone kick on the finish, and a chalky edge to the tannins. A warm and ripe vintage, using optical sorting for the first time. 65% new oak.
92 points
Jane Anson