The 2020 L'Aventure Optimus is a proprietary red blend from the Paso Robles sub-appellation in the Central Coast region of California. This wine, produced by L'Aventure, features a composition of 58% Syrah, 31% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 11% Petit Verdot. It is aged for 14 months in French oak barrels, with 65% of the barrels being new and 35% one year old. The wine has an alcohol content of 14.8% and is sealed with a cork closure.
The reviews for the 2020 L'Aventure Optimus are overwhelmingly positive, particularly highlighting its complexity and balance. Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate awarded the wine an impressive 95 points, commending its "deep ruby color and a deep core of red and black cherries, chargrill, thyme, charcuterie, and desiccated violet." The review notes that the wine is "light on its feet with juicy acidity and approachable grainy tannins," culminating in a "long, layered finish."
James Suckling also praised the wine, giving it a score of 94. He described it as having aromas of "grilled meat, bacon fat, tobacco, and olives," which transition to a "medium- to full-bodied palate with rich, creamy tannins." Suckling recommends that the wine can be enjoyed now or held for future consumption.
Vinous, another reputable review source, aligns with Suckling’s assessment, also rating the wine 94 points. Eric Guido from Vinous found the wine "texturally thrilling and creamy in feel," with "zesty acidity" providing impressive energy. Guido noted the wine’s "depths of dark red fruits and savory spice," and its "classic tannic structure" that maintains momentum through to the finish.
Decanter’s review, which gave the wine 93 points, highlighted its aromatic and expressive nose, with notes of "tobacco, tar, dark chocolate, floral touches, bitter blood orange, scrubland herbs." The review appreciated the wine's "bright and crunchy red fruits" and its "juicy, mouthwatering and joyful" character, particularly noting its "metallic, iron-filing, blood on the finish."
Jeb Dunnuck also provided a favorable review, scoring the wine 92 points. He described the wine as having a "peppery, darker berry, graphite, and smoky earth-driven bouquet," with a "round, supple, mouth-filling texture" and "quality tannins." Dunnuck noted the wine's "mid-palate depth" and "outstanding length," though he remarked it was a step back from past vintages.
Overall, the 2020 L'Aventure Optimus is highly regarded for its aromatic complexity, balanced structure, and vibrant palate. Each reviewer highlighted different aspects of this multifaceted wine, contributing to its strong reputation among wine enthusiasts.