The 2008 Optimus, a blend of 48% Cabernet Sauvignon, 28% Syrah, and 24% Petit Verdot, plays it close to the vest. Graphite, espresso, chocolate, and black currant notes slowly emerge from the glass of this dense ruby/purple-colored wine. In the mouth, it is an elegant, medium-bodied effort rather than the broad, blockbuster style of past vintages. Fruity, pure, and impeccably well-made, it should age effortlessly for 10-12 years. Consistently brilliant wines are produced by former St.-Emilion native, Stephan Asseo, who is now ensconced in the wine world of Paso Robles. These distinctively styled wines offer the power and exuberance of the fruit grown in this region along with a structured, delineated style (no doubt part of Asseo’s French DNA). These are all big wines, with the reds fashioned from innovative blends and displaying significant aging potential. The 2008 red wines are strong efforts, but they do not measure up to the brilliant 2007s Asseo produced. The two late-released 2007s I reviewed last year are certainly living up to my hype. Tel. (805) 227-1588; Fax (805) 227-6988