Even better, yet more forward and open, the 2012 Estate Cuvee checks in as a blend of 57% Syrah, 31% Cabernet Sauvignon and 12% Petit Verdot. It’s another awesome release form Stephan that possesses thrilling purity in its creme de cassis, licorice, toast, chocolate, and roasted meat-like aromas and flavors. Full-bodied and seamlessly constructed, with perfect integration of its fruit, tannin and alcohol, this beauty can be consumed anytime over the coming 15 years or so. This was another incredible lineup by winemaker Stephan Asseo, and both his 2012s and 2013s are at the top of the vintage. Looking at the 2012s, this vintage reminds Stephan of 2004, and the wines show incredible purity, as well as blockbuster levels of depth and richness. The tannin quality here is also off the charts, and this is what puts his 2012s a notch above the 2013s. For the reds, we started the tasting with 2013s from barrel. At the moment, the 2013s have more obvious tannin structure, yet they don’t lack for fruit or texture either. It will be interesting to see how these continue to develop in barrel. Either way, both of these vintages deserve a place in your cellar and it will be thrilling stuff to follow these wines over the coming decade or longer. Tel. (805) 227-1588; www.aventurewine.com