Repairing asphalt isn't easy without knowledge and equipment. As much as we'd like it to be, there's not always a DIY answer, especially if your aggregate is loosening. That tells me that you either need sealcoating to try and salvage your asphalt, or complete repair depending on how old the paving is and if the foundation of your asphalt is intact.

Most paving companies offer in person estimates. Some companies also offer online estimate forms, like this one, but follow it up with a phone call and a visit to your location.

Thanks for the response. If the damaged area was larger I might consider contacting a paving company. It's only a few square feet. That might change though.

Poor quality patch work is always an expensive choice. The whole thing needed redoing, not an attempt at a useless band aid. A poor substrate dooms anything you try to put on top.

It does not sound like a poor substrate to me. OP says it is not cracking or sinking, but the aggregate is separating from the asphalt. I don't see how the substrate can cause that. As a non-expert, it sounds like not enough asphalt in the mix, or insufficient mixing?

Do you have any kind of warranty from the company who put it down last August? I suppose you would have tried that angle first. If not, might be interesting to call them for a repair estimate and when they say 'this was put down wrong' tell them it's their work. :-P