2001 L'Aventure Optimus

Community Tasting Notes (70) Avg Score: 91.2 points

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  3/23/2021 - tward Likes this wine: 91 Points

  There were a handful of these in a small private cellar offer a few months ago so I bit on one at $35. Glad I did. Wow is this holding up for a Paso winery's "entry" wine 20 years on. L'Aventure has never been my favorite style, but in the past I've noted how sturdy the wines are regarding aging. This Optimus is no exception. It is on the downslope, but not far down the hill, so I'll assume this bottle was stored at optimal cellar conditions.
  
  For (nearly) perfectly stored bottles, I'd say drink up, but that the window could go out a several more years.
  
  At 15.4% it's a Paso bruiser, but there was never a sign of heat. Hedonistic but balanced. Lots of dark fruits and some aged character you'd expect, but the big surprise with the high notes and red fruits on the nose. I'd have guessed Grenache-driven! Some subtle cedar and spice and roasted earth. Super smooth and irresistible if you're in the mood.
  
  47% Cabernet Sauvignon, 45% Syrah, 5% Zinfandel, 3% Petit Verdot.

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  10/21/2019 - mpdonnel Likes this wine: 92 Points

  In a great place. Blackberry, blueberry with some residual tannins that have integrated nicely. Not the most complex, but drinking very nicely.

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  3/23/2019 - df1962 wrote: 92 Points

  PnD. Cork failure.
  
  Young fresh vibrant. Red blue and black fruits. Earthy mineral notes. Impressive.

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  2/21/2017 - Margaux Bro Likes this wine: 92 Points

  Past peak and on the downward slope, but still improved with some time in the decanter. Good terrior and nicely integrated - just a little funk showing it was past its prime. This was a gift that I know wasn't stored in a cellar, so those of you properly cellaring may have a little more time left.

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  3/20/2016 - sundiegojc Likes this wine: 92 Points

  Despite being past its "recommended" drink-by date (2013), but still delightfully complex, with a silky mouth feel.

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