Stephan Vineyards
L'Aventure
Optimus
Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot
Paso Robles, California
2004
14.9%
$29.99 -- Grapevine Market, Austin, TX
Color: Dark garnet, even a hint of purple still there
Nose: Cassis, mint, pumpkin pie
Body: Full
Front: Plum
Middle: Chocolate, fig
Back: Firm tannins, sage
Burns clean?: Mostly
Cap: Cork
This wine is elegant and balanced. With a little air (it's still young) it grows into a beautifully haunting mixture of fruit, herbs, earth, and sweets. This right here exemplifies the potential of Paso Robles.
Note: 12-22-2010; had the 2005, and it is stunning. Blackberry, spice, chocolate, and much more. Again, it evolves as it opens--I would decant half the bottle, and leave the rest in there, and compare them over the course of a few hours. A true delight.
