97pts James Suckling

A complex and inviting nose of mulberries, black olives, dried herbs and game meat. The palate is full-bodied with chalky tannins and energetic acidity, showing notes of blackcurrants, cedar, tobacco leaves and earth. The flagship wine of the estate that was once called Estate Cuvee, but from 2022 onward is named the Estate Reserve. Made from a blend of 55% syrah, 33% cabernet sauvignon and 12% petit verdot. Incredibly complex and masterfully constructed. Drinkable now, but best from 2028.

96pts Jeb Dunnuck

Lastly, the flagship 2022 Estate Cuvee is a blend of Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon, and it's one of the more concentrated, powerful wines in the vintage. Darker berries, spice box, tobacco, and graphite all give way to a full-bodied 2022 with a layered, ripe mouthfeel, beautiful tannins, and a great finish. As with most 2022s, it's going to have plenty of up-front appeal.
 
95pts Vinous

Classy from the first tilt of the glass, the 2022 Estate Reserve wafts up with an enticingly rich bouquet of crushed blackberries and raspberries complicated by dried roses, violets and a hint of ashen stone. Textures of crushed velvet are matched by an elegant mix of red berry fruits and autumnal spices. Super-fine tannins frame the finish as the 2022 tapers off with minty freshness and a subtle tinge of balsamic spice. The balance here is remarkable, especially for the vintage.

93pts Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2022 Estate Cuvée is driven by opaque fruits and toasty, cappuccino-like aromas framed by dried herbs. The palate is opulent and polished, leading to an immensely chewy, grainy finish of harsh tannins.

Winemaker Notes

The Estate Reserve, formally known as Estate Cuvée, has always been L'Aventure's flagship wine and ultimately the reason why Stephan left Bordeaux t make wine in Paso Robles. With the 2022 vintage, they decided it was time to start a new chapter and elevate the name, the look, and the feel. They wanted the wine to stand out from their lineup while still respecting the elegance, simplicity and timeless design of the brand. The name "Estate Reserve" is not a big change from its original; however, it reflects everything that this wine represents, as it is the best their estate fruit and terroir have to offer. It is the heart of L'Aventure.

Blend: 55% Syrah, 33% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Petit Verdot

Winery Notes

L'Aventure was founded in 1998 by a French winemaker, Stephan Asseo. After Stephan graduated enology school in Burgundy, the Asseo family bought their first estate, Domaine de Courteillac, in the Bordeaux area in 1982. Later, the family purchased additional properties: Chateau Robin and Chateau Fleur-Cardinale in Saint-Emilion. Stephan raised these properties to a level of great quality, while managing some other well-established domaines such as Chateau Guillot-Clauzel in Pomerol and Chateau Corbin in St Emilion.