2022 L'Aventure Optimus Paso Robles

Lifted and perfumed nose with aromas of bramble berries, cedar and mocha. The palate is full-bodied with finely integrated tannins and fresh acidity, showing notes of blackcurrants, tobacco leaves and graphite. Very well constructed and balanced. A blend of 66% syrah, 25% cabernet sauvignon and 9% petit verdot. Drink or hold. ~95 James Suckling

Black olive tapenade on the nose, quite savoury with dark black fruit aromas, some vanilla and chocolate elements too. Smooth and silky with amazingly high acidity that you don't expect from the aromatic display. Lively and clean, tongue scraping with a long length of almost tart strawberry and wet stones. Biting acidity with tons of mint and minerality. Mouthwatering but not too much, a little clipped on the finish but more due to tension I think at this point. A cooler climate feel to this, definitely not jammy, it has concentration but a fresh aspect to the fruit with pronounced acidity and minerality. Clean and focussed. Something very drinkable to this. Ageing 18 months; 81% in one year old French oak, 19% new with malolactic fermentation in barrels. ~94 Decanter

The 2022 Optimus checks in as 66% Syrah, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 9% Petit Verdot. This deep ruby/purple-hued effort offers a terrific nose of ripe blackberries, peppery herbs, violets, and game to go with a full-bodied, concentrated, yet beautifully balanced style on the palate. I love its tannins, it has soft, supple mouthfeel, and a great finish. It’s already drinking beautiful and will evolve nicely for 8-10 years. ~93 Jeb Dunnuck

A deep purple hue, the 2022 Optimus opens in the glass with a whiff of savory herbs, licorice and cocoa powder accentuating dried black cherries. This is luscious and round with fleshy wild berry fruits and sweet spices that swirl throughout. Zesty acidity enlivens the experience, as a subtle note of fine tannins adds form, tapering off with length yet only lightly structured. I love the energy here. ~93 Vinous Media