The 2019 L'Aventure Optimus is a proprietary red blend hailing from the Paso Robles sub-appellation in San Luis Obispo, California. Produced by L'Aventure, this wine is composed of 57% Syrah, 31% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 12% Petit Verdot and is aged for 14 months in 89% new French oak and 11% one-year-old French oak, undergoing malolactic fermentation in barrel with no fining or filtering.

This wine has received commendable reviews across the board. James Suckling awarded it a score of 96, praising its “extremely aromatic” profile with “ripe cherry and berry aromas, as well as flowers and citrus.” He noted its “fine, polished tannins” and “long, caressing finish,” and called it “one of the most balanced L’Aventures” he has encountered. Suckling also mentioned that while it is drinkable now, it would be even better in two or three years.

Decanter gave this wine a score of 94, highlighting its “lovely aromatic intensity” and “spicy and nuanced” nose. The palate was described as “crisp and precise with flavors that glide across, so linear and straight.” They noted a “coolness to the fruit profile” and a “refreshing juiciness,” with “good tannic grip” and “concentration and structure.”

Jeb Dunnuck also scored the wine 94, remarking that the 2019 Optimus “just about jumps out of the glass” with “gorgeous cassis, floral, pepper, and graphite-like aromas and flavors.” He described the wine as “full-bodied, elegant, pleasure-bent” and predicted it would evolve over the next decade.

Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate gave it a 92, noting its “medium ruby-purple color” and “pure aromas of red and black berries with earthy, autumnal accents and a streak of spice.” The palate was described as “grainy and fresh, with pretty floral perfume on the long finish.”

Finally, Vinous scored it 93, calling out its “opaque violet” color and “highly perfumed nose” with “spice-tinged dark berry preserves, fruitcake, incense, toasty oak and vanilla.” The wine was noted for its “sappy black and blue fruit, exotic spice and floral pastille flavors,” and a “smoky mineral nuance” providing a firm lift. The finish was described as “gently tannic,” with “sharp focus and superb, dark-fruit-driven persistence.”

Overall, the 2019 L'Aventure Optimus is a well-regarded wine with a balanced profile and strong aging potential, praised for its aromatic complexity and structured elegance.