Winemaker Notes
The classically styled 2019 DAOU Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon showcases Paso Robles as a world-class region for Bordeaux-style wines. It opens with a highly perfumed nose of black cherry, mulberry, plum and Oregon blackberry, all underlain by notes of cassis, kirsch, licorice, and crushed gravel. Secondary aromas of dark chocolate, coffee and dried sage reveal an elegant complexity. On the palate, it is powerful, balanced and brimming with layers of fruit and spice. Tempting flavors of Zante currant, boysenberry and black plum anticipate accents of cigar box, mocha, crushed herbs and pencil shavings. Firm, fine-grained tannins provide ample structure to support a lengthy finish of sweet cherry, leather, toasty oak and vanilla crème brûlée. In the end, the 2019 vintage is nothing short of an immensely approachable wine that will age with grace and refinement.
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve contains 20% Petit Verdot and 3% Merlot. It was made from free-run juice and matured 16 months in 50% new French oak. The nose is deep and savory, offering up layers of grilled meats, blackberries, dark spices, dried flowers and iron. The palate is silky and detailed with savory character and surprisingly fresh acidity, finishing long and spicy.
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Jeb Dunnuck
The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve is a soft, supple, incredibly sexy Cabernet that brings ample cassis and blue berry fruits as well as some vanilla oak, white flowers, and spice-like aromas and flavors. It will compete with any number of impressive Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignons and is full-bodied, with velvety tannins and a great finish.
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Wine Enthusiast
Black olive, elderberry extract, loamy soil and charred nut aromas show on the nose of this reserve bottling. A charred cocoa-nib, espresso-bean and coconut-husk flavor flows through the palate, which is wrapped in expertly focused tannins.
Brothers Georges Daou and Daniel Daou set forth across the globe to find an unrivaled terroir for producing Cabernet Sauvignon, a quest that led them to a place of foretold greatness: DAOU Mountain in the Adelaida District of Paso Robles. DAOU Family Estates is a family owned and operated winery committed to producing collectible, world-class wine to rival the most respected appellations. Situated on a 212-acre hilltop estate in the Adelaida District of Paso Robles, this remarkable mountain was once described by André Tchelistcheff, legendary winemaking authority, as “a jewel of ecological elements.”
DAOU Mountain stands alone at an elevation of 2,200 feet, rising from the heart of the Adelaida District in the rugged coastal range west of Paso Robles. The steep slopes here reach up to 56 percent, with uniform exposure to the elements across the estate. It is a terroir of power, purity and symmetry, with every natural asset necessary to pursue the perfect Cabernet Sauvignon—including calcareous clay soils that emulate Bordeaux’s Right Bank and a climate that mirrors St. Helena.
There is a power within this Mountain they call home. It is a power that can turn mere raindrops and roots into extraordinary wines—and into lasting relationships—that will endure for decades. Everyday the winery strives to create an experience as beautiful as these wines, ensuring that everyone feels like family. There is nothing more important than human connection.
As Paso Robles, California has soared in number of wineries and gained in popularity, Cabernet Sauvignon has firmly taken root as the region’s number one varietal. Alone, it accounts for just over 40% of plantings and is grown throughout both the western and eastern sides of the appellation. Though viticulture here dates back to the 18th century, Cabernet Sauvignon didn’t emerge as a significant grape here until the 1970’s. But since then it has definitely made up for lost time.
Legendary winemaker and consultant Andre Tchelistcheff first recognized Paso’s potential with Cabernet Sauvignon in the early 1960’s. The calcareous soil and dramatic diurnal temperature changes of Paso’s westside particularly intrigued him. Today modern winemaking techniques and focused experimentation with various clones, rootstocks and vineyard strategies optimize the region's ideal combination of soil and climate to deliver the best fruit possible.
The results are evident in the glass. Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon can be mesmerizing, with rich aromas and flavors of blackberry, cassis, black cherry, graphite, toasty oak, vanilla and spice. The structure, balance and unbridled opulence of these wines impress from first sip to last. Not surprisingly, Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignons have steadily grown in reputation, not just in the U.S., but around the world.