Named after Guillaume’s son, the 2012 Cuvee Jean is 100% Syrah that was fermented with 30% whole clusters and aged in 20% new Burgundy barrels. Showing a cooler climate feel in its pepper, smoked meats, earth and blackberry-styled fruit, this beauty knocks it out of the park on the palate. Full-bodied, decadent and layered, with big underlying structure, give it another year or so, and drink bottles through 2024.  Winemaker Guillaume Favre made the most of the 2012 vintage, and these new releases show the supple, pure quality of the vintage, yet have superb mid-palate depth and richness.”

“Made from 100% Syrah that’s from the Laetitia Vineyard and aged 16 months in 20% new French oak, the inky colored 2013 Cuvee Jean has terrific, voluptuous and layered notes of black raspberries, creamy licorice, peppery herbs and vanilla bean. Full-bodied, concentrated and textured, with lots of sweet tannin, it’s a blockbuster-styled effort from Guillaume that still shows the house purity, elegance and suppleness. It will drink well for a decade”

“Showing a cool climate-like bouquet of pepper, gamy meats, olive and chocolaty dark fruits, the 2014 Cuvee Jean is full-bodied, rich and unctuous on the palate, with the hallmark purity and crazily polished texture of all of Guillaume’s wines. Made from 97% Syrah and 3% Viognier, from Bien Nacido’s Z and X Blocks, it spent 16 months in 30% new oak. Drink this sexy beast over the coming decade.”

“A new cuvee based largely on Grenache/ the 2013 El Toro was tasted out of barrel and is a rough blend of 80% Grenache/ 1Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah, all of which saw 20 months in neutral oak. It has lots of strawberry, spice, licorice and floral nuances, full-bodied richness and sensational purity of fruit, all of which will allow it to drink nicely on release. Coming from a mix of James Berry, l’Aventure and Russel vineyards in Paso Robles, this blockbuster will knock your socks off over the coming decade or more.”

“Tasted out of barrel, the 2014 El Toro is an eclectic blend of 80% Grenache/ 1Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah from three great sites (James Berry, l’Aventure and York Mountain) that was vinified and aged 16 months in 20% new French oak. A big, rich, structured effort that will need to be forgotten for 3-4 years, it gives up tons of sweet black cherries, cedary spice, chalky minerality and dried earth-like aromas and flavors. It will have 15-20 years of overall longevity.”

“A barrel-fermented blend of mostly Roussanne (half from James Berry Vineyard and half from Russell Family Vineyard) that spent 7 months in 80% new French oak and saw 10% through malolactic fermentation, the 2011 Roussanne offers up beautiful mineral-laced aromas of lemon peel, brioche, pear and crème to go with a medium-bodied, seamless palate feel. Rich, yet also pure and detailed, it really shows its class on the finish. Enjoy it over the coming 4-5 years.”

“A rich wine with dried mango and pineapple character on the nose and palate. Full and rich but very balanced with bright acidity and a minerality. Loads going on. This is from James Berry Vineyards. Guillaume Fabre works at L’Aventure. This is 100% Roussanne. Drink now.”

“The 2009 Essence de Roussanne emerges from blocks
in the Booker and James Berry vineyards in Paso Robles.
It shows gorgeous fleshiness in its ripe apricots, tangerine and mango,
all of which come together in a pretty, medium-bodied yet accessible style.
The wine finds its minerality on the long, polished finish.
This, too, is a terrific effort.

“International Wine Cellar November/December 2009:
Bright gold. Intensely perfumed aromas of lemon rind, pear, tarragon and dried flowers,
with a strong overtone of musky spices. Dry and focused, offering pure citrus and orchard
fruit flavors and avoiding the excess weight of many New World versions of the variety.
Finishes with very good grip and nervy, persistent minerality. Seems more energetic
and focused than the excellent 2007. This fruit was again sourced from the Booker Vineyard.”

“The 2007 Essence de Roussanne is a beautiful expression of Roussanne, with notes of lemon blossom, a hint of nectarine and marmalade
along with crushed rock and white flowers,
the wine strikes a compelling aromatic profile
followed by a medium to full-bodied mouthfeel
with terrific acidity and distinctive minerality.
This wine should drink nicely for 4-5 years if not longer.
Young Frenchman Guillaume Fabre and his wife Solène have produced
this debut release of Roussanne, which shows enormous promise
not only for their winemaking future, but for Paso Robles as well.
Having worked with L’Aventure’s Stephan Assèo,
this could well be another young talent worth keeping an eye on.”

“A blend from all of the sites Guillaume works with, the 2014 Fleur de Solene (70% Syrah, 20% Grenache and 10% Cabernet Franc) is another winner from this guy who can do no wrong. Loaded with notes of plums, exotic flowers, mint and hints of green herbs, this medium to full-bodied, rich and beautifully textured 2014 is ready to go, but should keep nicely through at least 2024.“

“Moving to the 2010s, which as a group are more voluptuous and decadent than the 2011s, the 2010 Harmonie is a blend of Grenache (harvested in November), 20% Mourvedre and 7 % Syrah that spent 20 month in new French oak. All about sweet, voluptuous fruit, with perfumed raspberry, flowers and hints of licorice, it is medium to full-bodied, seamless and lelgant, with bright acidity. Upfront and hard to resist, it should drink nicely for 4-5 years. Drink now- 2018.”

“Seeing a long four- to six-week fermentation and 16 months in almost all neutral French oak barrels, the 2014 Harmonie offers the classic full-bodied, seamless texture that is common from this estate as well as tons of sweet black raspberries, creamy licorice and spice aromas and flavors. Made from 60% Grenache/ 2Mourvedre and Syrah from a multitude of sites, drink this downright sexy, voluptuous and decadent Paso red over the coming 7-8 years.”

“Made from Grenache/ 37% Syrah and 2Mourvedre that spent 15 months in 8neutral French oak, the 2011 Harmonie is a full-bodied, ethereally textured effort that dishes out notions of black raspberry, licorice, crushed flowers, cassis and hints of white chocolate on both the nose and palate. Knockout stuff, with both richness and freshness, it firms up beautifully on the finish with polished tannin. Enjoy this full-flavored beauty over the coming decade or longer. Drink now- 2021.”

“Leading off the reds, the 2012 Harmonie (60% Grenache/ 3Syrah and 8% Mourvedre aged in 30% new French oak) is an elegant, yet full-bodied and rich 2012 that gives up loads of ripe berry fruits, crushed flowers, licorice, sugared spice and salty minerality. Perfectly balanced, layered and fresh, drink it over the coming 5-7 years.”

“Already in bottle, the 2014 Hommage A Nos Pairs is another huge, unctuous and petal to the metal effort that’s overflowing with notions of creme de cassis, caramelized black cherries, toasty oak and creamy licorice. Coming from limestone and shale soils and a blend of 9Syrah, 3% Grenache and Viognier, from tiny yields, it stays fresh and lively, has no hard edges and a soft, supple, hard to resist personality. Drink it over the coming 7-8 years.“

“This is 9Syrah with 8% Grenache.
I love the bright and refined tannins.
Full and rich with lots of fruit and a racy finish.
It’s layered.

“A blend of 93% Syrah, Grenache and Roussanne that was fermented with 5-10% stem inclusion and aged 15 months in new French oak, the 2011 Hommage a nos Pairs Reserve is more supple and upfront than the L’Insolent and offers up deep, layers aromas of raspberry ganache, crème de cassis, chocolate, vanilla and hints of spice on the nose. Full-bodied, voluptuously textured and incredibly polished, with sweet tannin, this sexy, no-holds-barred effort will deliver the goods over the coming 5-7 years, possibly longer.”

“Deep, dark and layered with off the hook aromas and flavors of black currants, chocolate, truffle, roasted meats and licorice, the 2010 Hommage a nos Pairs Reserve (9Syrah, 3% Grenache and Mourvedre aged 20 month in new French oak) continues the house style with full-bodied richness, layers of texture and sweet tannin. It, too, is one sexy effort that’s a sheer joy to drink. Enjoy it over the coming 5-7 years. Drink now-202”

“The brilliant 2008 Hommage à Nos Pairs is a blend of 96% Syrah and 4% Grenache
from the Russell Family Vineyard on the west side of Highway 101,
planted on limestone soils.
Remarkably, it was aged in 100% new French oak for 18 months, but it doesn’t show
much evidence of vanilla or toast.
A beautiful blue/purple with oodles of black raspberries and floral notes intermixed
with some boysenberry and wild mountain berries, this superb wine is full-bodied
but elegant, with tremendous purity and richness. Drink it over the next decade.”

“A small step back from the stunning 2012, the 2013 Hommage A Nos Pairs Reserve is a Syrah-dominated cuvee that includes 4% Grenache and Roussanne. Fermented and aged 17 months in 6new French oak, this glass-stainer offers awesome notes of creme de cassis, crushed violets, peppered meat and licorice in a full-bodied, ripe, rich, polished and perfectly balanced profile. Never over the top or clumsy in anyway, with a full mid-palate and fine tannin, it’s offers immense pleasure today (like all of Guillaume’s wines) yet will age gracefully on its balance, purity and concentration.”

“Guillaume pulled back on the 100% new oak aging regime, and the 2012 Hommage a Nos Pairs was aged 17 months in 70% new French oak. A blend of 94% Syrah, 4% Grenache and Viognier that was barrel fermented (5 weeks), it offers thrilling black raspberry, creamy licorice, sweet oak and graphite to go with a full-bodied, ultra-pure, layered and textured feel on the palate. It’s not cheap, but there’s only 110 cases to go around and it’s an awesome drink. Plan on drinking bottles over the coming 4-5 years.  Winemaker Guillaume Favre made the most of the 2012 vintage, and these new releases show the supple, pure quality of the vintage, yet have superb mid-palate depth and richness. In addition, Guillaume has now left l’Aventure to focus exclusively on his Clos Solene label. Drink: 2014-2019.”

“Made from 60% Roussanne, 40% Viognier (from James Berry, Russell Family and Booker Vineyards) and aged 6 months in new French oak, the 2012 Hommage Blanc (the only white made here in 2012) offers up knockout aromas and flavors of juiced pear, peach, lavender, mineral and brioche. This full-bodied, decadently textured effort has thrilling richness, no hard edges and a seamless texture, all while staying fresh and lively on the palate. I don’t know how long it will age, so would opt for drinking over the coming couple of years. Drink now-2016.”

“The 2015 Hommage Blanc is up there with the creme de la creme of Rhone whites in California. Made from 80% Roussanne and 20% Viognier that was brought up in 40% new oak, it offers gorgeous notes of white peach, stone fruit, buttered citrus and flower oil. Rich, medium to full-bodied, beautifully layered and with terrific freshness and purity, it should drink nicely for 3-4 years, although I see no need to delay gratification.”

“Tasted out of barrel, the 2013 L’Insolent might end up being the best of the lineup. A blend of 69% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Cabernet Franc and the balance Petit Verdot that will see 20 months in new French oak, it reveals an inky purple color to go with a rich, full-bodied, structured and concentrated wine that’s overflowing with notes of creme de cassis, tobacco leaf, wet gravel and hints of cedar. More structured and straight than the 2012 was at this stage, give it 2-3 years and enjoy bottles through 2028.”

Even better, the 2012 L’Insolent is an incredible blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Petit Verdot and 18% Cabernet Franc that spent 17 months in new French oak. All from the Russell Family vineyard, it sports off-the-hook aromas and flavors of creme des cassis, black raspberry, tobacco leaf and lead pencil shavings. Full-bodied, concentrated and seamless, with fabulous purity and length, it’s hard to resist now, but should evolve gracefully for a decade or more.  Winemaker Guillaume Favre made the most of the 2012 vintage, and these new releases show the supple, pure quality of the vintage, yet have superb mid-palate depth and richness. Drink: 2014-2024. “

“Coming from north-facing, igh density plots, the 2010 L’Insolent (60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Petite Verdot aged 20 months in 100% new French oak) is a knockout effort! Incredible concentrated and rich, with notions of crème de cassis, toast, tobacco, licorice and smoked earth, it flows seamlessly onto the palate with full-bodied texture, sweet tannin and brilliant length. While no lightweight, it carries itself perfectly and has masses of sweet tannin adding focus and definition.

“Due to uneven ripening and shatter, the 2011 L’Insolent doesn’t have any Cabernet Sauvignon in the blend (2010 was Cabernet Sauvignon-dominated) and checks in as a blend of Syrah, 36% Petit Verdot and 19% Cabernet Franc that spent 15 months in 100% new French oak. Inky colored, with notions of blackberry, cassis, truffle, toast and tar on the nose, it is more elegant and seamless on the palate than the nose would suggest. Nevertheless, it’s a beautifuly full-bodies wine that has layers of fruit, ripe tannin and a great finish. I should drink nicely for upwards of a decade or longer. Drink now- 2021+.”

“Reminding me of a top flight Pomerol (despite having no Merlot), Guillaume Fabre’s 2014 L’Insolent is a fabulous looking blend of 78% Cabernet Sauvignon and 2Petit Verdot that was barrel-fermented and will see 23 months in barrel. It offers lots of black cherries, cassis, toasted spice and coffee bean aromatics to go with a full-bodied, supple, sexy and seamless style on the palate. Despite all of the fruit, it has nicely polished tannin on the finish. It should be ready to go on release and drink well for 10-15 years.”

“A standout white from the region, the L’Or Blanc is a co-fermented blend of 8Viognier and 1Roussanne that spent 7 months in100% new French oak. Made in a rich, full bodied style, with gorgeous white peach, loads of white flowers and brioche, it has awesome purity and serious length. Very rich, it’s perfectly done in the style and I love it. Enjoy bottles over the coming year or two. Drink now- 2015.”

“Probably the best vintage to date for the cuvee, the 2013 La Petite Solene is comprised of 70% Syrah, 24% Grenache and 6% Mourvedre that was aged 16 months in mostly neutral oak. While it is the entry-level wine, it doesn’t give much ground on the more expensive cuvees and has a big, rich notes of caramelized meats, smoke, chocolate and ripe black fruits. This flows to a full-bodied, concentrated and structured wine that will impress for at least 5-7 years.”

“The 2008 La Petite Solene is a blend of 6Syrah and 3Grenache.
It is a big boy at 15.4% alcohol, but one can taste this and sense
French savoir faire with its elegance and overall class and balance.
The wine has a dense ruby/purple color and a sweet nose of kirsch, blackberry,
licorice, and anise. Full-bodied, with sweet tannins, good, crunchy freshness,
and a lusty texture, this wine should drink nicely for 4-5 years.”

“The 2009 Ma Premiere is 80% Grenache and 20% Syrah made from tiny yields of just one ton per acre, with the bottom and ears of each bunch trimmed.It is a gorgeous, totally sensual wine graced with expressive red fruit.It shows striking delineation and textural brilliance in a sleek style that is unlike any other wine being made today in Paso Robles. The refined finish is all class and elegance.

“In addition to some smoking reds, Guillaume also produces a great dessert wine, Made in the style of Banyuls and fortified (10% Brandy was added) blend 97% Grenache and % Syrah that was harvested brix), the uring the first week of November (At 27.5 brix) the 2011 Sweet Clementine is a beauty. Offering up sweet, pure aromas and flavors of spice box, herbes de Provence, kirsch and blackberry liqueur, it is round, supple and full-bodied on the palate. The sweetness is balanced nicely here and everything is in the right proportions. Enjoy it over the coming decade or longer. Drink now-2021+.”

“97% grenache and 3% syrah, all late-harvested: Opaque ruby. Heady, seductive aromas of red and dark berry preserves, fruitcake and floral oils, with a hint of molasses. Velvety and seamless, coating the palate with intense raspberry and boysenberry flavors. Clings with superb intensity on the finish, which strongly echoes the floral note. An outstanding sweet wine that would be great alongside a blue cows’ milk cheese.”

“Clos Solene releases a superb dessert wine and I’m convinced it would pass undetected in a lineup of top Banyuls. Made from a fortified blend of 97% Grenache and 3% Syrah that checks in at a modest 15.8% alcohol, the 2013 Sweet Clementine has sensational Grenache notes of black raspberries, currents, roasted herbs, licorice and tobacco. Full-bodied, polished, concentrated and sweet on the palate, drink it anytime over the coming decade or more.”

“Lastly, the 2014 Sweet Clementine is Fabre’s take on a Banyuls from the Roussillon region of France. Made from almost all Grenache/ with a splash of Syrah, fortified with brandy and bottled with 100 grams of residual sugar, it offers a sexy, forward bouquet of plums, spice box, candied black olives and kirsch in a full-bodied, balanced, hedonistic style. It’s a shame dessert wines seem to have fallen out of favor these days, but this beauty is well worth your time and money.”

“The 2012 Sweet Clementine would stand toe-to-toe with some of the top Banyuls coming out of the Roussillon. Picked at normal ripeness level (15.8% alcohol and 100 grams of residual sugar) and fortified to stop the fermentation, it offers gorgeous Grenache fruit, dried flowers, spice and licorice, it stays amazingly elegant and silky on the palate, with fabulous purity. It’s hard to resist now, but it should also age gracefully. Nevertheless, I’d opt for drinking bottles over the coming 2-4 years.”

“The same blend and elevage as the 2011, the 2010 Sweet Clementine is almost identical, yet slightly more concentrated and rich. Both are outstanding dessert wines that will age effortlessly. Drink now- 2020+.”