French native and vigneron, Stephan Asseo began crafting wine in 1982 after completing his education at L'Ecole Oenologique de Macon, Burgundy, France. He founded Domaine de Courteillac in Bordeaux and later purchased Chateau Fleur Cardinal and Chateau Robin in the Cotes de Castillion, Bordeaux. He would continue to develop his artisan talents in France, yet he did not want his creativity to be limited by French AOC regulations. He searched for grape growing regions around the world in search of great terroirs for grape growing, before settling with his family in the west side hills of Paso Robles. L’Aventure Winery was established in 1998. Stephan Asseo may be viewed as a maverick, yet I have respected him as an intellectual who has a clear vision of success and the hard work it takes to achieve it. His daughter Chloe is following closely in his footsteps.

This opaque beauty is 57% Syrah, 31% Cabernet Sauvignon and 12% Petit Verdot aged for 14 months in 89% new French Oak. The wine is deeply saturated with a symphony of fresh floral aromas. Within are exotic Asian spices, ground cinnamon, lavender and graphite. The dense core is very compact with layers of rich blackberry liqueur-like fruits dusted with dark chocolate shavings. Everything is seamlessly integrated into a creamy core complemented with a touch of minerality and crushed stones. This wine glides over your palate with freshness as it ends with a finish lasting minutes. The flavors appear etched into your glass afterwards.

By W Peter Hoyne