Similar to the 2005 in its density and weight, the 2007 Estate Cuvee checks in as a blend of 49% Syrah, 35% Cabernet Sauvignon and the rest Petit Verdot. It offers gorgeous creme de cassis, melted licorice, charred toast, roasted herbs and assorted background meatiness to go with a full-bodied, deeply concentrated feel on the palate. Showing the beautiful sweetness of fruit and purity that are the hallmarks of this estate, it’s still youthful and fresh, and can be consumed anytime over the coming decade or more. Tel. (805) 227-1588; www.aventurewine.com

The 2007 Estate Cuvee (44% Syrah, 37% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 19% Petit Verdot) is much bigger and denser than its 2008 counterpart, despite the fact that it is only 15.4% alcohol, compared to the 2008's 15.9%. Full-bodied with abundant notes of creme de cassis, blackberries, smoke, graphite, and charcoal, this dense, layered, beautifully textured effort will benefit from another 1-2 years of bottle age, and should drink well for 10-15+ years. Consistently brilliant wines are produced by former St.-Emilion native, Stephan Asseo, who is now ensconced in the wine world of Paso Robles. These distinctively styled wines offer the power and exuberance of the fruit grown in this region along with a structured, delineated style (no doubt part of Asseo’s French DNA). These are all big wines, with the reds fashioned from innovative blends and displaying significant aging potential. The 2008 red wines are strong efforts, but they do not measure up to the brilliant 2007s Asseo produced. The two late-released 2007s I reviewed last year are certainly living up to my hype.Tel. (805) 227-1588; Fax (805) 227-6988

Firm and taut, with grapey berry, currant, mineral and herbal notes. Full-bodied and complex, offering plenty of fruit purity, floral scents and a taut framework. A blend anchored by Syrah and Cabernet that works. Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot. Drink now through 2020. 1,760 cases made. -JL

Shows the soft, lush creaminess that mark L’Aventure’s reds. A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Mourvedre, it’s almost sweet in blackberry, cherry, chocolate, smoky oak and spicy flavors. Refined tannins help provide grounding.——S.H.(10/1/2009)—— 90