2017 L'Aventure Inspiracion

This is the second vintage of this wine. Winemaker and owner Stephan Asseo says, "When you co-ferment, it's all boiled together and you get better harmony and integration. Each grape is a vector of the other when they are melting together. I have no explanation but that's the way it is." So the 2017 Inspiracíon, from Willow Creek District in Paso Robles, is composed of 44% Grenache, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Syrah and 4% Grenache Blanc, all co-fermented. Medium to deep ruby in color, the nose explodes with marionberry, boysenberry, blueberry, blackberry, violet, lilac, warm peaches and apricot with notes of underbrush and exotic spices. Medium to full-bodied, it's silky and packed to the gills with ripe, tricolored fruits, expertly framed and with juicy freshness lifting the long, floral finish.

A blend of 44% Grenache, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Syrah and the rest Grenache Blanc, all of which was co-fermented, the 2017 Inspiracion shows the pretty, elegant, medium to full-bodied style of the vintage as well as perfumed notes of blue fruits, cracked peppercorns, violets, and flowery incense. Medium to full-bodied, silky, and incredibly well-balanced, it’s another rock star bottling from l’Aventure. I certainly blew the call on some of the Bordeaux blends from l’Aventure last year, and their Estate Cuvée and Côte a Côte are much better wines than my barrel reviews suggested.