PasoWines.com

An unfiltered blend of 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 29% Merlot, and 15% Cabernet Franc. Dark, richly structured with smoky hints of cherry, raspberry, black pepper and vanilla.

Robert Parker notes, "The 2006 Optimus Proprietary Red, a blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 45% Syrah, and 5% Petit Verdot, performed slightly better than it did last year. Reminiscent of a northern Rhone blended with a Bordeaux, it exhibits sweet cassis, graphite, and a chalky, powdery minerality, good structure, and full body. As the wine sits in the glass, hints of espresso roast and white chocolate emerge. This structured, slightly backward, well-endowed 2006 should age effortlessly for 10-15 years. One of the reference point producers in Paso Robles, Frenchman Stephan Asseo continues to turn out an intriguing as well as provocative range of brilliant red wines."

78% Cabernet Franc, 22% Cabernet Sauvignon

This full-bodied red has flavors of plum, red currant and black cherries with a supple lingering briery spice finish.