The 2021 L'Aventure Cote A Cote from Paso Robles is a proprietary red blend, featuring 37% Grenache, 32% Syrah, and 31% Mourvèdre. Produced by L'Aventure, this wine is described by reviewers as both powerful and elegant, with a complex profile and an alcohol content of 14.9%.
Decanter awarded this wine a score of 94, emphasizing its delicate nature—a rarity for Paso Robles. They noted, "Red and black fruits interplay on the nose. The palate is chewy and textured with flavors of red fruits, baking spices, and faint floral notes." They also highlighted the wine's lengthy finish, rounding out what they described as a "beauty."
James Suckling was even more impressed, giving the wine a score of 96. He praised its refined nose with "cherries, cassis, ripe plums, herbs, and sweet spices." Suckling described the wine as full-bodied with creamy tannins and a velvety texture. He remarked on its elegant development on the palate, noting, "The fruit is obvious at the center with a discreet touch of spices and grilled herbs on the mid-palate."
Jeb Dunnuck rated the wine highest with a 97, calling it a "killer bottle of wine." He found it to have "full-bodied richness, an expansive, layered mouthfeel, ripe tannins, and a complex bouquet of blackberries, savory herbs, peppered meats, and hints of violets." Dunnuck highlighted its weightless nature despite its concentration and power, and noted its ultra-fine tannins and great finish.
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate also awarded a high score of 96+, recognizing the blend's power and elegance. They noted a deep well of aromas, including "maraschino cherry, blueberry, licorice, rooibos tea, and autumn leaves," made more complex by undertones of earth and spice. The review mentioned the wine's plush, supple, and generous palate, with ripe chocolaty, floral fruit complemented by mouthwatering acidity and flinty accents.
The 2021 L'Aventure Cote A Cote is a standout offering from Paso Robles, receiving high praise across the board for its complexity, elegance, and balance.