2015 L'Aventure Optimus 6 Pack

93 POINTS

Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW - Wine Advocate

Bottled mid-March 2017 and a blend of 60% Syrah, 21% Cabernet Sauvignon and 19% Petit Verdot, the 2015 Optimus has a deep garnet-purple color and nose of crushed black currants, black cherries and black raspberries with hints of violets, dark chocolate, baking spices and black pepper. Full-bodied and with a lovely intensity of vibrant black fruit, it has an approachable frame of rounded tannins and lively acid, finishing long and spicy.

93 POINTS

Josh Raynolds - Vinous

Inky ruby. An exotically perfumed bouquet evokes spice-accented cherry and blueberry, while smoke and vanilla nuances add complexity. Sappy and expansive on the palate, offering sweet dark fruit flavors that show liqueur-like depth and a surprisingly light touch. Closes on a gently tannic note, displaying impressive clarity, repeating spiciness and strong cling.

93 POINTS

Jeb Dunnuck - Wine Advocate

The entry level wine is the Optimus cuvee, and it's normally a mix of mostly Syrah, with smaller amounts of Petit Verdot and Cabernet Sauvignon. The 2015 Optimus will be the first vintage where there's some Mourvedre in the blend, and its inky purple color is followed by great aromatics of cassis, black raspberries, licorice and roasted herbs. Picking up more chalky minerality on the palate, this full-bodied, charming, forward 2015 will drink nicely right out of the gate.

92 POINTS

Jeb Dunnuck

The entry level cuvée is the 2015 Optimus and in 2015 it's a blend of 60% Syrah, 21% Cabernet Sauvignon and 19% Petit Verdot. It's a pretty, elegant version of this cuvée that reveals a deep ruby color, notes of black raspberries, blackberries, violets, and leafy herbs, medium to full-bodied richness and a seamless, silky texture. Drink it over the coming 5-7 years.