Descripción

Optimus cumple 20 añadas, por lo que se ha creado una edición especial para este 2018 que ha sido valorado de forma notable por parte de la crítica internacional. En este blend de variedades francesas en el que destaca la Syrah se refleja el espíritu de su creador, Stephan Asseo, que buscaba hacer un vino libre que se mostrase accesible y placentero.

 

 

 

Ficha técnica

La bodega
Tipo
Tinto
Añada
2018
Grado
14.9% vol.
Producción
2.600 botellas
Variedad
56% Syrah, 32% Cabernet sauvignon, 12% Petit verdot
Origen
California

Cata

Temperatura de servicio
Se recomienda servir a 16 ºC.
Consumo
Hasta 2030 si se conserva en óptimas condiciones.

Viñedo y elaboración

Cosecha
Vendimia manual.
Vinificación
Fermentación maloláctica en barrica francesa nueva.
Envejecimiento
Crianza de 14 meses en barrica nueva francesa (60%) y usada (40%).

Opinión de los críticos

The Wine Advocate:

A blend of 56% Syrah, 32% Cabernet Sauvignon and 12% Petit Verdot aged in 60% new French oak, the 2018 Optimus is the 20th edition of the cuvée and contains a touch less Petit Verdot than usual. It has a deep ruby-purple color and opens perfumed with crushed red and black cherries, dried violet, salumi and bay leaves with bright touches of blood orange peel. The medium to full-bodied palate is layered and surprisingly light on its feet, with a finely defined tannic grain and good freshness, finishing long. 2,200 cases produced.

Decanter:

A gorgeous counterbalance to the classic Cabernet-dominated Napa Cabs that you will find through the Place de Bordeaux this September. Here you get a beautifully exotic edge, with sage and raspberry notes coming from the Syrah on limestone soils filling out the chocolate, menthol and cassis of the Cabernet. Fine tannins but plenty of them, with a restrained but unmissable twist of smoked oak. Michel Rolland consultant. Another Bordeaux link here as owner Stephan Asseo used to own several châteaux, including La Fleur Cardinale. This 2018 is his 20th vintage in Willow Creek. Drinking Window 2022 - 2036

Jeb Dunnuck:

A normal blend of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Petite Sirah, and 10% Syrah, the 2018 Optimus reveals a deep purple color as well as beautiful notes of crème de cassis, black licorice, tobacco, chocolate, and a rocky, earthy minerality. It's rich and medium to full-bodied, with beautiful purity and silky tannins. This is a terrific introduction into the wines of l'Aventure and will drink well for over a decade.