The 2020 L'Aventure Côte à Côte from Paso Robles is a proprietary blend consisting of 45% Grenache, 30% Syrah, and 25% Mourvèdre. This wine, produced in the Central Coast region of California, boasts an alcohol content of 15.1% and is sealed with a traditional cork closure.
The wine has garnered significant praise from various reviewers, highlighting its complexity and balanced structure. Robert Parker's Wine Advocate awarded it an impressive 98 points, describing it as "one of the most successful wines I tasted from the challenging 2020 vintage." The reviewer noted its "pure aromas of blackcurrant, boysenberry, tar and pipe tobacco," and praised its "powerful yet harmoniously structured" palate with "powdery tannins and seamless acidity."
James Suckling was similarly enthusiastic, giving the wine 97 points and commending its "depth and the mineral quality." Suckling highlighted notes of "dark cherries, black licorice, iodine, graphite, oyster shells and hot stones," describing it as "long, seductive yet quite focused." He called the wine "a stunner from L’Aventure," and suggested it could be enjoyed now or cellared for future enjoyment.
Decanter and Jeb Dunnuck both rated the wine at 94 points. Decanter's review emphasized the wine's "floral and lifted" nose with "dark chocolate, violets and rose petals," and appreciated its "lovely texture" and "excellent acidity." Jeb Dunnuck, on the other hand, focused on its "pure, brilliantly textured, full-bodied" nature, noting flavors of "blackberries, peppery herbs, graphite, iron, and liquid violet."
Vinous gave the wine 95 points, describing it as "youthful and coy" with a "subtle blend of dusty stone, lavender and wild blueberries." The reviewer noted its "velvety smooth yet full of energy" palate and its "spicy" finish with "subtly grippy tannins."
Overall, the 2020 L'Aventure Côte à Côte is celebrated for its balanced structure, complex flavors, and potential for aging. Its excellent reviews reflect its standing as a top-tier wine from a challenging vintage.