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Drink it now or cellar for up to 15 years. It is recommended to decant it for half an hour. Founded in 1998 by Stephan Asseo, L'Aventure is a California winery located southwest of Paso Robles. The company, which owns approximately 51 hectares of vineyards, grows Bordeaux and Rhône Valley varietals such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Petit Verdot, and Mourvèdre. Optimus is the perfect wine to get to know the production of the L'Aventure winery. It is an easily accessible wine but reveals a good capacity for aging. The blend includes a majority of Syrah, supported by Cabernet Sauvignon, and small additions of Petit Verdot. After fermentation, the finished wine ages in French oak (65% new) for 14 months. The wine has a dense and deep color with dark ruby tones and purple nuances. On the nose, it reveals an intense and broad aromatic profile with notes of dried flowers and cherries, blood orange, and wild herbs, and then graphite, tobacco, and smoky hints. On the palate, it is powerful, juicy, and structured. It has a medium-full body and a strong invigorating acidity. The tannins are firm and grainy but well-integrated. The finish is long and concentrated. It is excellent with grilled meat and an absolute must-try with smoked pork ribs.