L'Aventure : Optimus 2018

Characteristics and tasting advice for L'Aventure Optimus 2018

Tasting

Appearance

The wine displays a medium to deep purplish ruby color.

Nose

The nose reveals aromas of red and black fruits (blackcurrant, cherry, plum) accompanied by spicy and floral notes reminiscent of violet and lavender. Hints of vanilla, toasted oak, dark chocolate and coffee round out the bouquet.

Palate

On the palate, the wine shows energy and freshness despite its generous structure. The palate unveils flavors of ripe, juicy fruit (blackcurrant, black cherry, plum), supported by polished tannins and well-integrated oak that brings touches of vanilla, spice and chocolate. The long, lingering finish stretches out with notes of black pepper, spices, dark chocolate and subtle oak.

Food and wine pairings

This wine pairs perfectly with pepper steak, a grilled porterhouse steak, or braised lamb with Mediterranean spices (coriander, fennel, star anise). It also matches very well with grilled beef sliders.

Serving and cellaring

It is recommended to open Optimus 2018 fifteen to thirty minutes before serving, or to decant it lightly. The ideal serving temperature is between 16 and 20°C. This wine can be enjoyed now or cellared for around ten years.

An audacious Paso Robles blend combining richness and elegance

The estate

Founded in 1998 by Stephan Asseo, a former Bordeaux winemaker and graduate of the École Œnologique de Mâcon, L'Aventure embodies the pursuit of creative freedom of a French winemaker in California. After running several prestigious estates in Bordeaux, Stephan Asseo moved to Paso Robles to break free from French regulatory constraints and create innovative blends. Today, the family estate is run by Stephan and Beatrice Asseo, with their daughter Chloé Asseo-Fabre serving as CEO since 2021. Since 2017, L'Aventure has benefited from a partnership with the Thiénot family (Champagne Thiénot). The estate spans 127 acres, 57 of which are planted to vines. Recognized as a "Grand Cru of Paso Robles," L'Aventure is renowned for its bold blends marrying Bordeaux and Rhône grape varieties, its commitment to biodynamics and its energy independence thanks to solar power.

The vineyard

L'Aventure’s vineyard is located on the western hills of Paso Robles, in the Santa Lucia mountain range, about forty kilometers from the Pacific Ocean. This maritime proximity creates significant day-to-night temperature swings that promote grape ripening while preserving freshness. The remarkably complex soils are composed of siliceous and calcareous schists rich in marine fossils, resting on deposits of clay, metals and quartz. This geological structure forces the vines to develop deep root systems, producing concentrated, complex berries. The vineyard is planted at high density (around 2,000 vines per acre) and includes forty distinct parcels farmed according to biodynamic principles. Irrigation is managed precisely and individually for each vine.

The vintage

The 2018 vintage benefited from favorable weather conditions characterized by sunny, warm days, tempered by cool nights thanks to the Pacific’s maritime influences. This temperature range allowed optimal grape ripening with full development of phenolic compounds while maintaining balanced acidity. The growing season extended into November, giving the grapes a prolonged ripening period.

Winemaking and aging

The grapes for Optimus 2018 were harvested by hand at very low yields of 2.5 tons per acre. Alcoholic fermentation took place in French oak barrels, 60% new and 40% one-year-old. Malolactic fermentation was also carried out in barrels. Aging continued for fourteen months in French oak barrels. The wine was neither fined nor filtered before bottling, thus preserving its aromatic complexity and natural texture.

Grape varieties

Syrah (56%)
Cabernet Sauvignon (32%)
Petit Verdot (12%)