Cellar Stocker: Cult Wines Beyond Napa Edition Continues…

Ready for “the finest vintage of Côte à Côte ever produced” per Jeb 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 under $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…”

Again, just a few bottles to go around, be civil when you load up!

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. 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. Another magical wine from this estate is the 2019 Côte à Côte, a blend of 34% each of Grenache and Mourvèdre, with the balance Syrah. Brought up in 29% new French oak, it boasts a dense purple color as well as incredible aromatics of blue fruits, smoked game, violets, black pepper, and spring flowers. One of those incredibly complex, nuanced wines that still brings depth and richness on the palate, it’s perfectly balanced, has ultra-fine tannins, and a gorgeous finish. It’s the finest vintage of Côte à Côte ever produced. Drink it over the coming 15+ years. Drink 2021-2037.”