L'Aventure Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve 2018

Wineadvocate

The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve contains 2% Petit Verdot and was aged in 100% new French oak. This hasn't been made since 2013 because, says winemaker Stephan Asseo, the Cabernet Sauvignon was cordon pruned and crop yields were very low. He spent the last several years switching over to cane pruning. Deep ruby, it has classic aromas of crushed blackcurrants, cedar, bay leaves and an undercurrent of graphite and aniseed. The medium to full-bodied palate is packed to the brim with finely grained tannins that support lush, youthfully flamboyant fruits, and it has great freshness to lift the long finish. Give it another 3-5 years in bottle. 440 cases produced. - EB 10/2020

Vinous

Inky ruby. A hugely perfumed, complex bouquet evokes cherry liqueur, cassis, fruitcake, vanilla and candied rose, and pipe tobacco and smoke oak nuances build in the glass. Deeply concentrated, palate-staining dark berry, bitter cherry, mocha and floral pastille flavors show superb definition, while a core of juicy acidity conveys an impressively lively character. Suave, velvety and alluringly sweet, finishing with powerful thrust, youthfully chewy tannins and fabulous persistence. - JR 12/2020

Dunnuck

Last made in 2013, the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon is a brilliant wine and, with regards to Bordeaux varieties, possibly the wine of the vintage. Incredibly pure crème de cassis, tobacco leaf, crushed rocks, and lead pencil notes all flow to a full-bodied, seamless, silky Cabernet Sauvignon that has loads of ripe tannins, a stacked mid-palate, and a great finish. This primordial, structured barrel sample will require 4-5 years of bottle age but will have 25 years or more of longevity.