2014 L'Aventure Optimus

Bright violet. Potent aromas of ripe red and blue fruits, floral pastilles, woodsmoke and minerals develop a spicy nuance in the glass. Sweet and fleshy on the palate, offering intense black raspberry and boysenberry flavors that become livelier with air. The very long, sharply focused finish features supple tannins and subtle, lingering notes of ripe red berries and candied rose.

- Josh Raynolds

The entry level cuvee that readers should snag a case of is the 2014 Optimus. Made from 42% Syrah, 33% Cabernet Sauvignon and 25% Petit Verdot, it's a supple, seamless and elegant wine that gives a small window into the quality and style from this terrific estate. Its deep purple color is followed by classy notes of black raspberries, spice box, dried flowers and underbrush in a full-bodied, balanced and lengthy package. It lacks the depth and length of the top cuvee here, but it is nevertheless a beautiful wine to drink over the coming 7-8 years.

- Jeb Dunnuck