L'Aventure "Cote a Cote" Estate GSM 2019
(Willow Creek District, Paso Robles, California) - [JD 100] [WA 96] [JS 96] [VM 96] [DM 96]

100 Points - Jeb Dunnuck:
"Another magical wine from this estate is the 2019 Côte à Côte, a blend of 34% each of Grenache and Mourvèdre, with the balance Syrah. Brought up in 29% new French oak, it boasts a dense purple color as well as incredible aromatics of blue fruits, smoked game, violets, black pepper, and spring flowers. One of those incredibly complex, nuanced wines that still brings depth and richness on the palate, it’s perfectly balanced, has ultra-fine tannins, and a gorgeous finish. It’s the finest vintage of Côte à Côte ever produced. Drink it over the coming 15+ years. Stephan Asseo, who’s assisted more and more by assistant winemaker Patrick Davies, continues to keep his L’Aventure estate near the top of the pyramid in Paso Robles. This report looks at the 2019s and 2020s, and both appear to be beautiful vintages. The 2019s are some of the finest wines I’ve tasted at this estate and have a rare mix of power and vibrancy, with incredible aromatics and sensational purity and precision on the palate. Drink between 2021-2037." (9/30/21)

96 Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate:
"The 2019 Côte a Côte is stunning this year, made up of 34% Grenache, 34% Syrah and 32% Mourvèdre. It has alluring, savory-tinged scents of blood orange, tar, aniseed and dried flowers with an undercurrent of spicy accents. The palate is ultra classy and pure, with fine, pixelated tannins, uplifting acidity and slowly opening layers of perfumed fruit that drive the very long finish. 2022-2037." - Erin Brooks (3/15/22)

96 Points - James Suckling:
"Blackberry, clove, walnut and blueberry aromas follow through to a full-bodied palate with a solid core of fruit that is framed by toned tannins that together give length and presence. Grenache, syrah and mourvedre. One-third of each. Better after 2025."  (3/7/22)

96 Points - Vinous Media:
"Bright ruby-red. A complex, spice-accented bouquet displays cherry cola, blackberry, vanilla and lavender scents. Expressive, appealingly sweet red and blue fruit, floral pastille and spicecake flavors are complemented by a suggestion of smoky minerality. Shows fine definition and powerful, spicy lift on a strikingly long, gently tannic finish that strongly echoes the floral and red fruit notes. 2025-2034." - Josh Raynolds (7/22)

96 Points -  Decanter Magazine:
"An excellent offering from the trio of L'Aventure wines being offered on the Place de Bordeaux this year. This is polished and refined, there’s power but it’s precise and well handled. The alcohol is high but it feels in proportion and not out of balance and the overall wine has a lovely weight, roundness and juicy core. A violet, perfumed edge lingers on the finish adding an extra interesting element. Leave to age for a few years before opening. A blend of 34% Grenache, 34% Syrah and 32% Mourvedre from 100% estate grown fruit. Wines are aged for 14 months, 41% in one-year-old French oak, 29% new French oak, 18% in concrete tanks and 12% in amphora. No fining, no filtering. 2023-2030." - GH (7/19/21)