L'Aventure Estate Cuvee 2013

The L'Aventure estate is located in the magnificent Paso Robles region of California, and is renowned for its exceptional wines. Founded by Stephan Asseo, a passionate French winemaker who sought to break away from the restrictions of the appellation d'origine contrôlée in France. In 1998, he discovered Paso Robles, California, a promising and diverse wine region that offered the perfect climate and terroir to realize his vision. The estate embodies a harmonious blend of French winemaking traditions and Californian innovation. Under Stephan Asseo's visionary leadership, Château L'Aventure quickly gained an international reputation for its bold and innovative wines thanks to its non-traditional grape varieties for the region, such as Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot. Creatively blending the domine produces unique, high-quality wines. The estate is particularly renowned for its artisanal approach, combining traditional viticultural techniques with modern practices to maximize the potential of the terroir.

The L'Aventure estate is located on the sunny western slopes of Paso Robles, enjoying a Mediterranean climate characterized by warm, sunny days and cool nights, ideal for ripening the grapes. The vineyard covers 127 hectares, made up of several hills of varying elevations, complex soils and excellent water drainage. The region's unique terroir is made up of limestone and clay-limestone soils, similar to those found in some of France's most prestigious wine-growing regions, such as Bordeaux and the Rhône Valley. These soils provide excellent drainage and encourage the concentration of aromas and flavors in the grapes.

L'Aventure Estate Cuvée 2013 is a true expression of the exceptionalism and complexity that Château L'Aventure infuses into its wines. This vintage is the fruit of a harmonious and powerful blend of three emblematic grape varieties: Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot. Each of these varieties makes its own unique contribution, creating a rich, balanced wine. L'Aventure Cuvée 2013 is a deep, intense, almost opaque red, a testament to its concentration. The bouquet is complete and bewitching. Powerful aromas of blackberry, blackcurrant and blueberry are accompanied by hints of liquorice, black pepper, cloves and a floral touch of violet. Hints of vanilla, cocoa and tobacco develop with aeration, reflecting the barrel ageing. On the palate, the wine is full and generous. The Syrah dominates with its juicy black fruit flavors and spices, while the Cabernet Sauvignon provides a solid tannic structure and complex depth. Petit Verdot adds a delicate floral note and tannic finesse. The texture is silky, with well-integrated tannins and balanced acidity that brings freshness and length to the palate. The finish is long and elegant, with notes of ripe fruit, dark chocolate and a touch of minerality.

"The top wine of the estate and a blend that was the reason Stephan left Pomerol, the 2013 Estate Cuvee checks in as 43% Syrah, 42% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Petit Verdot that comes all from his estate vineyard. It's locked and loaded with black and blue fruit, crushed rock, licorice and ground herbs, and I wrote that it seemed like it was filtered through a rocky riverbed in my notes. Serious, structured and tight, yet fabulously concentrated and pure, it needs 3-4 years of cellaring and will keep for two decades." Jeb Dunnuck, The Wine Advocate (8/27/2015), Rating: 97+, Drink: 2018-2033