L'Aventure Optimus 2018

The Wine Advocate
92/100 punten
A blend of 56% Syrah, 32% Cabernet Sauvignon and 12% Petit Verdot aged in 60% new French oak, the 2018 Optimus is the 20th edition of the cuvée and contains a touch less Petit Verdot than usual. It has a deep ruby-purple color and opens perfumed with crushed red and black cherries, dried violet, salumi and bay leaves with bright touches of blood orange peel. The medium to full-bodied palate is layered and surprisingly light on its feet, with a finely defined tannic grain and good freshness, finishing long.

Vinous
93/100 punten
Saturated ruby. Sharply focused aromas of cherry and dark berries, exotic spices, vanilla and incense; a smoky mineral top-note builds in the glass. Sappy, sweet and energetic on the palate, showing strong lift and powerful thrust to the spice-tinged cassis, cherry and floral pastille flavors. At once rich and lively, displaying fine definition on an impressively long, gently tannic finish that leaves a suave floral note behind.

Jeb Dunnuck
94/100 punten
A normal blend of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Petite Sirah, and 10% Syrah, the 2018 Optimus reveals a deep purple color as well as beautiful notes of crème de cassis, black licorice, tobacco, chocolate, and a rocky, earthy minerality. It's rich and medium to full-bodied, with beautiful purity and silky tannins. This is a terrific introduction into the wines of l'Aventure and will drink well for over a decade.