2014 L'Aventure "For Her" Paso Robles Rhône Blend

Pure perfection and one of the greatest wines to come from these limestone slopes on the west side of Paso Robles, the 2014 For Her is a blend of 58% Syrah, 32% Monastrell and the rest Viognier that was all cofermented and aged 14 months in 55% new French oak. This inky black colored, massively rich, yet graceful and elegant red offers killer notes of black raspberries, red plums, creme de cassis, crushed flowers and graphite. A singular wine that could come from nowhere else, it hits the palate with full-bodied richness, ultra-fine tannin, huge fruit and that weightless component on the palate that's a part of all great wines. I suspect it will close down slightly for a year or two, yet drink beautifully for 10-15 years. Hats off to proprietor Stephan Asseo for this incredible wine! (JD) (8/2016)

Opaque ruby. Aromas of ripe dark berries, cherry liqueur, lavender pastille and Asian spices; a smoky mineral element adds vivacity. Juicy, concentrated and sharply focused, offering sweet blackberry, vanilla and floral pastille flavors that deepen and become spicier with air. Round, seamless and pure, displaying excellent finishing power and persistence and just a hint of fine-grained tannins. (JR) (9/2016)