L’Aventure Paso Robles Willow Creek Estate Cuvée 2021

Inky plum colour, medium to full intensity. Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot dominant for the first 10 minutes in the glass, with sleek silky tannins, bilberry, blackcurrant, cocoa bean, espresso, fennel, then as it relaxes the floral red roses, white pepper and raspbery leaf of Syrah arrive. Beautiful concentration coupled with pummice stone minerality, will reward ageing but everything is in place to give pleasure straight away. Excellent quality. The 20th anniversary of the flagship Estate Cuvée – and the last one under this name, as it will be changing to Estate Reserve as of the 2022 vintage. 90% new oak for ageing. Winemaker Chloé Asseo.