L'AventureProducer from California, United States

L'Aventure are among the finest wineries in California setting the benchmark for the Paso Robles sub-region. Founded by Stephan and Beatrice Asseo in 1998, the winery is situated in the west side of Paso Robles, California. Before establishing L'Aventure, Stephan Asseo had a distinguished winemaking career in Bordeaux making wine for 17 years. However, his desire to innovate and experiment beyond the constraints of French AOC regulations led him on a quest to find the ideal terroir for his vision. 

After extensive research and travels across various global wine regions, Stephan discovered Paso Robles. The unique terroir, characterized by rolling hills, deep calcareous soils, and the maritime influence of the Templeton Gap, convinced him of its potential to produce world-class wines. Embracing this new opportunity, Stephan and his family embarked on a new adventure—thus, L'Aventure was born.

The Terroir of Paso Robles:

The 127-acre L'Aventure estate benefits from diverse elevations, complex soil compositions, and excellent drainage. The proximity to the Pacific Ocean ensures warm, sunny days and cool nights, creating a dramatic diurnal temperature variation. This climate is crucial for extending the maturation cycle of the grapes, allowing them to develop complexity while retaining acidity. The soil, a mix of siliceous and calcareous shale with marine fossils, provides essential nutrients and encourages deep root growth. This terroir fosters the production of small, thick-skinned berries, which are essential for creating wines with concentrated flavors and excellent balance. The unique combination of these factors allows L'Aventure to produce wines that are rich, balanced, and expressive of their origin.

Winemaking Philosophy and the Paso Blends:

Stephan Asseo's winemaking philosophy at L'Aventure revolves around creating "Paso Blends," which include a mix of Rhône and Bordeaux varietals. His flagship wines, such as Optimus and Estate Cuvée, are blends of Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Petit Verdot, showcasing the complexity and balance that these varietals can achieve in the Paso Robles terroir. Other notable wines include Côte à Côte, a Rhône blend, and For Her, a special cuvée named after his wife Beatrice, featuring Syrah, Graciano, and Viognier.

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Wines produced at L'Aventure:

L'Aventure Estate Cuvée

L'Aventure Estate Cuvée is a prestigious blend of Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Petit Verdot, showcasing depth and complexity. It features intense aromas of blackberry, cassis, and licorice, with layers of dark fruit, cedar, and graphite on the palate. This full-bodied wine is known for its powerful structure, refined tannins, and a long, elegant finish. Estate Cuvée reflects the exceptional quality of the estate’s fruit and Stephan Asseo’s meticulous winemaking.

L'Aventure Optimus

L'Aventure Optimus is a masterful blend of Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Petit Verdot. This wine is celebrated for its balance and approachability, offering rich aromas of dark fruit, spice, and hints of chocolate. On the palate, it delivers a harmonious mix of ripe blackberries, plums, and subtle oak notes, with well-integrated tannins and a smooth, lingering finish. Optimus exemplifies the innovative spirit and terroir of Paso Robles.

L'Aventure Côte à Côte

L'Aventure Côte à Côte is a Rhône-style blend of Grenache, Mourvèdre, and Syrah. This wine offers vibrant aromas of red berries, herbs, and floral notes. On the palate, it is well-balanced with flavors of cherry, raspberry, and a touch of spice, supported by fine tannins and a fresh, lively finish. Côte à Côte highlights the versatility of Paso Robles terroir and the winery's expertise in creating harmonious blends.

L'Aventure For Her

L'Aventure For Her is a special cuvée dedicated to Beatrice Asseo, blending Syrah, Graciano, and Viognier. It is known for its elegance and aromatic complexity, featuring notes of blackberry, violet, and white pepper. The palate is rich and layered, with flavors of dark fruit, floral undertones, and a hint of minerality. For Her is a testament to the innovative blending and exceptional quality of L'Aventure’s wines.

L'Aventure Chloé

L'Aventure Chloé is an elegant wine named after Stephan Asseo’s daughter, made from select estate-grown fruit. It presents captivating aromas of black cherry, plum, and exotic spices. On the palate, Chloé is full-bodied and smooth, with flavors of dark berries, chocolate, and a hint of vanilla. The wine’s refined tannins and balanced acidity lead to a long, polished finish. Chloé showcases the finesse and craftsmanship of L'Aventure’s winemaking.