A notch up on the richness scale, yet still impeccably balanced and light on the palate, the 2011 Estate Cuvee is 48% Syrah, 28% Cabernet Sauvignon and 24% Petit Verdot. Deep, rich and layered, with thrilling cassis, blackberry, lead pencil, spice, spring flowers and smoke, it flows onto the palate with awesome purity, a straight focused profile and sweet tannin that emerge through the mid-palate and finish. This is not a blowsy, overdone effort, and is seamless and incredibly drinkable. It needs 2-3 years of bottle age and will have 15-20 years of longevity. Drink 2016-2031. I was blown away by these wines. Easily the most impressive lineup I’ve tasted from proprietor Stephan Asseo, these 2011s show the purity and focus of the vintage, yet balance it with incredible richness and texture that never seems cumbersome or heavy. The 2012s are no less rich, yet have impeccable purity and texture, as well as brilliant overall focus and structure that will allow them to evolve gracefully. Make no mistake about it though, these are all big, ripe wines; I find them utterly compelling and hard to resist. Tel. (805) 227-1588; www.aventurewine.com