L'Aventure - For Her - Stephan Vineyards - Paso Robles 2016

Jeb DUNNUCK

97 / 100

byJeb Dunnuckthe11/29/2018

Vinous

96 / 100

byJosh Raynolds the9/26/2018

Inky ruby. Pungent, highly expressive aromas of ripe dark berries, potpourri, sandalwood and smoky minerals pick up a spicy nuance with aeration. Sweet and seamless in the mouth, displaying superb clarity to the sappy, mineral-tinged black raspberry, boysenberry, candied violet and spicecake flavors. Possesses a suave blend of power and finesse and finishes strikingly long and sweet, with slow-mounting tannins framing the lingering blue fruit and flowers. Drink 2026 - 2036.

Jeb DUNNUCK

97-99 / 100

byJeb Dunnuckthe8/29/2018

One of the finest 2016s I was able to taste, the 2016 For Her is the same blend as the otherworldly 2014 and is 58% Syrah, 32% Monastrell and the rest Viognier that was all cofermented and aged 14 months in 55% new French oak. It offers a heavenly bouquet of violets, black and blue fruits, chalk, wood smoke and peppery herbs. Complex, layered and even nuanced at this Young stage, it has full-bodied richness, the power and richness that's common in the vintage and a terrific finish.

Wine Advocate

96 / 100

byWilliam Kelleythe5/15/2018

A blend of 46% Syrah, 39% Graciano and 15% Viognier, the 2016 For Her bursts from the glass with an expressive bouquet of ripe cassis, orange blossom and pepper that’s strongly marked by exotica from its Viognier component. On the palate, it’s fullbodied, supple and velvety, with an expansive attack, fine-grained tannins and a ripe but succulent core of fruit. The finish is long, fine-grained and fragrant. Its textural elegance and integration made this one of my favorites in the L’Aventure range.

Wine Advocate

94-96 / 100

byLisa Perrotti-Brownthe9/29/2017

A barrel sample, the 2016 For Her simply sings of red roses, red cherries and black raspberries with touches of spice cake, charcuterie and tapenade. The full-bodied palate delivers tons of perfumed red berry flavors, supported by soft, velvety tannins and finishing on a spicy note.