L'Aventure, Estate Cuvee Red, Paso Robles 2014

A massive, gorgeously rich and decadent version of this cuvee, the 2014 Estate Cuvee (50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Syrah and 15% Petit Verdot) is reminiscent of a 2005 Pomerol with its huge bouquet of cassis, toasted spice, graphite, damp earth and leafy herb aromas and flavors. Thick, full-bodied, unctuous and palate-saturating, yet still with purity and grace, it's an insanely good Bordeaux blend (or close) from Paso Robles that will have two decades of overall longevity.

Glass-staining ruby. Assertively perfumed aromas of dark berry preserves, Asian spices and candied rose develop a vibrant mineral quality in the glass. Spicy and sharply focused on the palate, offering concentrated red and black currant, cherry and floral pastille flavors of outstanding clarity and power. Closes sappy, spicy and extremely long, with velvety tannins adding shape and gentle grip.