Stephan Asseo, owner and winemaker at L’Aventure Winery, could have easily stayed in his hometown of St. Emillion, but he migrated halfway around the world to the rich terroir in Paso Robles that provides the foundation for his artisan viticulture and winemaking skills. The 2020 Côte a Côte Red Blend (45% Grenache, 30% Syrah, and 25% Mourvèdre) is a classic “GSM” blend that shimmers a brilliant deep ruby-purple and unravels perfumed aromas of ripe black cherry, redcurrant, roasted plums, saffron, and clove. The palate is lush, lifted, and exceedingly pure, with bright acidity, seamless tannins, and serious length on the finish. It can be enjoyed with abandon now or cellared for another 5 to 10 years.
L’Aventure Winery, Paso Robles (Central Coast, California) 2020
By Miranda Franco