A thrilling, nearly perfect efforts is the 2005 Estate Cuvee. The fabulous, inky/blue/purple-tinged 2005 Estate Cuvee, a combination of 52% Syrah, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 8% Petit Verdot, boasts a compelling bouquet of charcoal, creme de cassis, graphite, and acacia flowers. Full-bodied with tremendous purity, fruit depth, and complexity, this is a stunning example of fantastic winemaking, fruit, and terroir. Drink it over the next 10-15 years. Transplanted Frenchman, Stephan Asseo (from St.-Emilion), has found a home as well as some great terroirs in the limestone soils of Paso Robles (all his vineyards are situated on the western side of Highway 101). Asseo continues to go from strength to strength, producing a fabulous portfolio of wines that makes L-Aventure one of the bright, shining reference points for the region. This is one of the California Central Coast superstars, and the wines are worth every cent.Tel. (805) 227-1588; Fax (805) 227-6988

More thick, chewy and decadent, the 2005 Estate Cuvee is comprised of 52% Syrah, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 8% Petit Verdot. It is blockbuster stuff with sweet blackcurrants, creme de cassis, truffle, lead pencil, chocolate and charred earth aromas and flavors all showing on the nose. It doesn’t pull any punches on the palate either and possesses massive fruit and texture, sweet tannin and a knockout finish. While it could be mistaken for a Bordeaux on the nose, it’s California all the way on the palate. Drink it over the coming decade. Tel. (805) 227-1588; www.aventurewine.com

Dense and tannic. A blockbuster in this style. The dried currant, plum, tar and cedary oak flavors are tightly wound, so best to give this time for now and aeration in the near term. Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot. Drink now through 2011. 1,500 cases made. -JL