DAOU | Cabernet Sauvignon | Paso Robles | 2021
cabernet sauvignon | petit verdot | merlot | cabernet franc

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Daou Estate is the family winery of brothers Georges and Daniel Daou, who searched high and low for the perfect site in order to found their ambitious wine project in the Napa Valley, before they finally discovering that Paso Robles had the terroir that suits perfectly their needs. The estate is located in the Adelaida District of Paso Robles and has been described as “a jewel of ecological elements” by the legendary californian winemaker André Tchelistcheff. The pride of the winery is the 14 unique cabernet sauvignon clones.
The wine that we are going to review today hardly requires any introduction, as this is one of the most recognizable wine labels from California‘s Centra Coast in the USA – Cabernet Sauvignon Paso Robles 2021 by Daou Mountain. Even though the label says that this is a single-varietal cabernet sauvignon wine, technically it is a blend made of cabernet sauvignon (80%), petit verdot (15%), merlot (4%) and cabernet franc (1%) grape varieties, where cabernet sauvignon forms the wine’s main body and structure, petit verdot adds extra tannin extract and enhances the wine’s color depth, merlot builds a more refined mid-palate and adds up-front richness, whereas cabernet franc offers a leaner and a more dynamic finish.

The grapes are sourced from the Daou Vineyards in the Paso Robles AVA (California, USA), famous for its calcareous, clayey and limestone-rich soils. In order to soften the tannins and add extra complexity to the final blend, 50% of the wine was aged for 8 months in new french oak barrels, while the other half was aged for 10 months in used oak barrels, with some additional months in the bottle.

Cabernet Sauvignon is grown all over the world in a wide range of climates and regions and it can produce wines that are very high in tannins and acidity, that can mature and develop for many years in the bottle. Cabernet Sauvignon is also a late ripening grape variety, which means that it is best suited for warm climates, where it is capable to produce wines that can reach into realms of perfection, where they are rarely followed.

The geographical location of Paso Robles sets it apart from the neighborhood areas, with calcareous soils that allow for great drainage and essential nutrient retention critical for grape growing. Coupled with the warm days and cool nights, this region fosters an environment where grapes develop complex flavors and maintain natural acidity. This balance is what distinguishes wines from Paso Robles, as compared to those produced in regions with less temperature variability.


color: deep & opaque ruby color
clarity: hazy ruby shades at the rim

In the glass this wine displays a deep ruby-purple hue, with hazy ruby shades at the rim indicative of its youth and vibrancy.

intensity: pronounced & expressive
fruit character: ripe & jammy

On the nose, this wine displays pronounced aromas of black fruits and touches of jam and mocha, layered with tobacco hints and nuances of bay leaf. Complex even in its youthful state, it offers background notes of clove and nutmeg alongside rich vanilla hints.

sweetness: dry | acidity: high | alcohol: high | tannin: high | balance: good
finish: medium+ | aftertaste: astringent & rough

On the palate, the wine reveals a rich mouthfeel that envelops the palate with flavors of dark cherry and blackberry jam intertwined with notes of mocha and chocolate. Subtle hints of sage and wet gravel round out the taste experience, leading to a satisfying finish. The wine’s bright acidity balances the prominent tannins, while an overwhelming touch of alcoholic warmth adds structure and heat, resulting into a solid yet approachable wine blend.

maturity: developing | drink now or in the next 2-3 years
verdict: fine | highly recommended | a wine of premium quality with good potential

Overall, this is an impressive wine that requires time to settle down a bit, as it presently feels astringent and angular on the palate. The wine has a good ageing potential while also being versatile enough for enjoyment today. With its firm structure and grippy tannins, in its current state the wine lacks the desired harmony and finesse on the palate, making it a good candidate for further bottle ageing.

DAOU | Cabernet Sauvignon | Paso Robles | 2021
variety: cabernet sauvignon | petit verdot | merlot | cabernet franc
country: USA
region: California | Paso Robles
rating: 93.2

To best enjoy this wine, consider pairing it with a classic american barbeque, smoked ribs, or even a soft and delicious pulled pork. The fruit and tannin structure in the wine will harmonize perfectly with the savory and smoky flavors of the meat, creating a delightful tasting experience.

Founded by brothers Daniel and Georges, Daou Vineyards is a family-run estate dedicated to crafting exceptional Bordeaux-style wines. Established in 2007, the winery is located in the Adelaida District, a serene part of Paso Robles known for its ideal climatic conditions and rich history of agricultural excellence. The Daou family aims to merge Old World elegance with New World exuberance, producing wines that reflect their distinct terroir and heritage. The Daou Vineyard occupies a prime elevation that not only allows for exceptional grape quality but also offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes. Known as “a jewel of ecological elements”, Daou represents the pinnacle of what Paso Robles can offer.

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