L’Aventure Paso Robles (Willow Creek) Estate Cuvée 2016

Plump, sleek and rich blackberry and black cherry fruits, layered with cocoa bean and a dusting of cocoa powder. This has texture, and length, and is fully integrated at six years old, but will continue to age for another decade from here. Dried tobacco and spice show not only the heat of the summer (harvest was around two weeks earlier than average in 2016), but also helps balance out the palate from getting too sweet. A kick of pencil lead comes in on the finish. Michel Rolland consultant. 100% new French oak, from 12 different coopers.