2019 L'Aventure Inspiracion

The 2019 Inspiracíon is a blend of 38% Grenache, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, 28% Syrah and 4% Grenache Blanc, inspired by the wines of Priorat in Spain. Deep ruby-purple, it offers alluring blackcurrants laced with graphite, violets and blood orange, with a slowly emerging array of spicy accents. The full-bodied palate is intensely fruited and elegantly framed, with silky tannins and bursts of juicy acidity elevating the layered finish.

A cuvée that was introduced in 2016, the 2019 Inspiracion is 38% Grenache, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, 28% Syrah, and the rest Grenache Blanc that was brought up in a mix of new and once-used oak, with 20% aged in amphora. It’s a big, rich, beautifully textured 2019 with lots of dark berry and currant fruits as well as notes of ground pepper, cured meats, and spice. One of the broader, more expansive, opulent wines in the lineup, it’s about as sexy as they come. Give it a year and enjoy over the following decade or more. 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.

The 2019 Inspiracion is based on 38% Grenache, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 32% Syrah. It’s another full-bodied red from this estate that shows a rare level of purity and finesse to go with a rich, powerful style. Lots of cassis and black raspberry fruits, a touch of flowers, and subtle background oak all emerge from the glass, and while the tannins are polished and silky, it’s going to warrant some bottle age.