The Adventure - Optimus - Paso Robles 2016

Vinous

93 / 100

byJosh Raynolds the9/26/2018

Brilliant violet. Ripe dark berries, licorice, woodsmoke and candied violet on the deeply perfumed, spice-accented nose. Concentrated but lively as well, offering intense blackberry, cassis, cola and spicecake flavors that show impressive delineation and back-end lift. A very long, sappy finish features slow-building tannins, a hint of mocha and lingering smokiness. Drink 2024 – 2033.

Jeb DUNNUCK

93-95 / 100

byJeb Dunnuckthe8/29/2018

Starting with the 2016-barrel samples, the 2016 Optimus is the entry level cuvee of the estate and is always based on Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot. I suspect it's better than most estate top cuvee and looks to be huge success in 2016. Cassis, violets and peppery herbs all emerge from this surprisingly deep, rich, concentrated red that's going to deliver the goods right out of the gate.

Wine Advocate

92 / 100

byRobert Parkerthe5/15/2018

A blend of 50% Syrah, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon and 20% Petit Verdot that checks in at 15.4% alcohol, the 2016 Optimus reveals a lavish bouquet of crunchy berries, anise and creamy new oak. On the palate, it's full-bodied, spicy and richly tannic, with generous, oak-influenced flavors and a crunchy core of fruit. The finish is long and youthfully chewy. Bottled barely one month before I tasted it, this is already quite expressive and should begin to drink well after just a few years. The Optimus is Asseo's longest-running cuvée, realizing an ambition to blend Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon he nurtured in his native Bordeaux.

Wine Advocate

92-94 / 100

byLisa Perrotti-Brownthe9/29/2017

A barrel sample of already blended 50% Syrah, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon and 20% Petit Verdot, the 2016 Optimus has an earthy, broody nose of black soil, underbrush and tar with suggestions of black currants, anise and cloves. Full-bodied, rich and earthy, it offers up densely packed flavors and a very firm backbone with great promise!

Jeb DUNNUCK

93-95 / 100

Starting with the 2016-barrel samples, the 2016 Optimus is the entry level cuvee of the estate and is always based on Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot. I suspect it's better than most estate top cuvee and looks to be huge success in 2016. Cassis, violets and peppery herbs all emerge from this surprisingly deep, rich, concentrated red that's going to deliver the goods right out of the gate.