Cellar Stocker: Cult Wines Beyond Napa Edition Continues…

How about some “pure perfection from Paso Robles” per Jeb Dunnuck in his 100-point review?

L’Aventure is no stranger to huge scores from the pros and adoration among discerning connoisseurs.

Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate regularly is “blown away by these wines”* adding that “one of the reference point estates in Paso Robles is unquestionably Stephan Asseo’s L’Aventure.”

Case in point - this 100 pointer, which also carries a gang of other big ratings from all critics. Even on CellarTracker, where the ratings seem harder to crack than anywhere else, it boasts a 95.8 - one of the highest you’ll see. This is dead-serious, mouth dropping stuff, packed to the gills with an infinity pool of black fruit, savory spices, floral notes and all the complexity of an MIT advanced physics course.

Oh, you know what happens to about $100 upon release 100-pointers down the road? They get pricier! And pricier… AND pricier over time. So if you were not in early you end up saying “should have, would have, could have…”

Literally a handful of bottles to share, please be considerate. Will you be one of the lucky few?

100 Points – Jeb Dunnuck

“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. Pure perfection from Paso Robles, the 2019 Estate Cuvee checks in as 50% Syrah, 35% 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. Drink 2021-2041.”