L’Aventure Offers A taste of the Rhone/Bordeaux in Paso Robles, CA
Stephen Asseo knows his terrior. After receiving his Oenology degree in Burgundy, and work experience in Bordeaux at Domaine de Courteillac, Chateau Robin, and Saint Emillion Grand Cru - Chateau Fleur Cardinale, all owned by the Asseo family, he decided it was time for his own project. After searching around the world for the perfect spot, he decided Paso Robles could offer consistent conditions for crafting a quality wine and he started the L’Aventure winery. Nestled in the foothills of the Santa Lucia Mountains on the west side of Paso Robles, a small winery sits peacefully hidden down a secluded dirt road. The tasting room is simple, but features a flat screen plasma T.V. playing a video featuring the wineries operation, a hint of the technical influence at the winery.
Where Borbeaux Meets the Rhone
The wineries slogan sums up what they are trying to do with their wines, the varietals chosen for the area parallel those used in the respective regions of France, and are aged in 100% French Oak. The vines planted here are stressed, but get enough nutrients from the Calcareous soils to offer character that mimics the great regions in France. But this is Paso Robles, with a character and essence all it’s own, and that comes out in the wines as well. Between this winery, Tablas Creek, Linne Calodo, Adelaida, and Saxum, Paso Robles is making a name for itself with these French style wines of excellent quality, character, and depth, all expressive of the areas terrior.
The Current Releases:
All of the wines tasted on my visit were very good, but of course I liked the most expensive one the best (that always happens to me). Below you will find my quick notes on a few of the wines.
Wine: L’Aventure Rose 2005 $15 - 90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Syrah
Notes: A refreshing floral aroma, bright acidity and flavor, and a complete finish with perfect balance, this Rose is very good.
Score: 90 JAT
Wine: L’Aventure Optimus 2003 $45 - 64% Syrah, 33% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Petit Verdot
Notes: Dark cherry color with a nice bouquet of Cherry’s and Anise, a rich full bodied wine with lots of structure for aging.
Score: 90 JAT
Wine: L’Aventure Estate Syrah $60 - 100% Syrah
Notes: An Inky purple colored wine, a large whiff of bacon and earth greet your nose, with a full bodied palate yielding hints of mushroom and a very long finish. Best from 2010 on.
Score: 92 JAT
Wine: L’Aventure Estate Cuvee 2002 $85 - 50% Syrah, 45% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Petit Verdot
Notes: A dark Cherry color coats the glass offering an aroma full of Blackberry, Chocolate, and tobacco with a minor touch of oak and vanilla, a well layered wine with a lingering finish. Lot’s of tannic muscle remain for expected aging. Excellent.
Score: 94 JAT
Photo credit: L’Aventure
Website: www.aventurewine.com
