L'Aventure - Chloe - Stephen Vineyards - Paso Robles 2016

Jeb DUNNUCK

96 / 100

byJeb Dunnuckthe11/29/2018

Vinous

95 / 100

byJosh Raynolds the9/26/2018

Opaque, bright-rimmed ruby. A deeply perfumed, complex bouquet features boysenberry, cherry preserve, licorice, vanilla and smoky mineral qualities. Stains the palate with sweet black and blue fruit, spicecake and candied rose flavors that show a surprisingly delicate touch given their heft. Smooth, slow-building tannins frame a broad, smoky finish that hangs on with superb, floral-dominated persistence. Drink 2025 - 2035.

Wine Advocate

93 / 100

byWilliam Kelleythe5/15/2018

The 2016 Cuvee Chloe is a blend of 69% Syrah and 31% Grenache that is co-fermented and saw around 20% whole cluster fermentation. The wine reveals aromas of ripe black fruits, roasted meat, espresso roast, dark chocolate and cracked pepper, followed by a rich, full-bodied palate that's amply endowed with extract, fruit and firm, chewy tannins—which may be stemderived. It was only bottled a month ago when I tasted it, but even so, it's quite structurally assertive, so this is a wine for consumers that aren't afraid of tannin. 93+

Wine Advocate

94-96 / 100

byLisa Perrotti-Brownthe9/29/2017

A barrel sample blend of 2/3 Syrah and 1/3 Grenache, the 2016 Cuvee Chloe has broody, dark fruits, black plums and mocha notes with hints of dried herbs and mulberries plus a touch of peppered salami. Full-bodied, concentrated and with tons of earth and meat layers, it has a chewy backbone and long, pepper-laced finish.