2020 L'Aventure Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve

Stephan Asseo, founder and winemaker at L’Aventure Winery, came to Paso Robles in California seeking more freedom to express his winemaking ideals than was allowed while working in Bordeaux. Falling in love with the rolling topography of the Santa Lucia Mountain Range, he felt the deep calcareous soils, and the maritime influence had the potential to craft some of the world’s greatest blends. So far he's been proven right, and his array of red blends has quickly resulted in wines which have earned high scores and critical acclaim. These are rich and deeply impressive wines from one of the most talented winemakers in America.

Other Reviews....
The 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve, blended with 5% Petit Verdot, has a deep ruby-purple color and slowly opens to scents of blueberries. cassis, orange peel, aniseed, pencil shavings and savory, meaty undertones. The full-bodied palate is powerful yet velvety, with concentrated, mineral-laced fruits and sparks of fresh acidity highlighting sparks of incense. Seamless and long, it's one of the most successful Cabernets I tasted in the challenging 2020 vintage. Drink 2023 - 2028.
98 points
Erin Brooks - Wine Advocate (Dec 2022)

The 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve makes itself known with mentholated herb, dark floral, black currant and crushed rock aromas. It's silky and sleek in character, with mineral-tinged black fruits and mounting tannins that slowly saturate toward the close. This finishes with a classic structure, leaving a primary coating of concentration. Sour citrus notes add lovely contrast. Drink 2026-2038.
96 points
Eric Guido - Vinous (Dec 2022)

The 2020s in general are terrific at this estate, and the 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve is another beauty. Including 5% Petit Verdot, it’s a structured, concentrated, full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon with plenty of pure cassis and graphite aromatics, building structure, and a deep, layered, incredibly impressive style. It’s going to need bottle age.
96-98 points
Jeb Dunnuck