Description
DAOU Vineyards Bodyguard Red
The 2017 Bodyguard is a sleek yet powerful blend of Petit Verdot and Petite Sirah, displaying both opulence and structure. The 2017 vintage presents fragrant fruit aromas of blackberry, raspberry, currant and crème de cassis. Notes of cocoa, coffee, dark chocolate, licorice, and sweet cherry pipe tobacco are rounded out with whispers of truffle, toffee, mocha, and menthol. A juicy, fleshy palate offers bright, generous flavors of cherry, cranberry, strawberry, and blueberry tinged with black raspberry and tamarind—all supported by underlying accents of dusty leather, pencil shavings, cigar box, and crushed herbs. An elegantly styled and beautifully structured finish reverberates with focused energy, vibrant berry fruit and ripe, polished tannins.
DAOU Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon
The 2018 vintage shows characteristics that are rich and sophisticated on the nose with currant, black cherry, cedar and eucalyptus, and displays undertones of briary blackberry and wet gravel. Ancillary aromas of coffee and cocoa are rounded out nicely with notes of crushed sage and baking spice. Full bodied and formidable on the palate, offering enticing and juicy wild blackberry, Oregon blueberry and crisp black cherry flavors. Hints of plum and mulberry are accentuated with fig, black olives and fine leather. Excellent structure and harmony between the pure fruit core and firm, supple backbone of polished tannins. Finish is surprisingly elegant for a wine of such power. Silky and smooth, ending on lovely notes of sweet cherry and boysenberry.
DAOU Vineyards Pinot Noir
2018 may go in history as the longest season yet. A good amount of rain fell in the region which gave to a later bud break in April. The vines were energized by the much needed moisture, setting one of our best crops yet. The weather remained steady from spring through June. Then we received a long heat wave that fortunately did not affect the quality of the grapes due to the fact that it was before the start of veraison. A cooling trend ensued for the rest of the season right after the heatwave, prolonging the hang time leading into harvest. The long hang time yielded deep color and concentration with dense wines. The tannins are silky and beautifully integrated. As a result, 2018 was an exceptional vintage that really highlights the aromatics and acidity of the wines.
DAOU Vineyards Rose
This wine is delightfully fragrant and floral, showing lovely aromas of fresh strawberry, sliced peach, and watermelon with nuances of hibiscus, cherry and clover honey. The palate is refreshingly crisp yet lusciously smooth, revealing juicy flavors of nectarine, orange, strawberry parfait, and golden delicious apple. These primary flavors are underlain by plush, pleasing notes of papaya and honeydew melon, accented with a suggestion of rose hip tea. A long, clean finish lingers with impressions of peach, citrus zest and Barbados cherry.
In the golden, oak-studded hills of Paso Robles’ fabled west side, not far from William Randolph Hearst’s magnificent castle, there is a man with a Homeric vision. His name is Daniel Daou and he is devoting his life and every imaginable resource to creating, first and foremost, a Cabernet Sauvignon that rivals the very best in the world.
Gracefully perched atop a stunning promontory at 2,200 feet, the DAOU Spanish Colonial style winery is embraced by a tangible serenity. Hawks wheel and bank while the all-day sun caresses close planted rows of lush, emerald green vines. The 100 percent calcareous soil makes no sound as it passes out nourishment and only a gentle breeze flows up through the Templeton Gap from the Pacific. The quiet is bewitching; you want to lay down roots here, just as the four-year-old vines have done. But the sense of peace belies the serious industry at work on this 100 acre estate. No effort is spared to create the luscious varietals and blends that flow from this limited production winery. This kind of synergy happens rarely: superlative climate and terroir, super intensive vineyard culture, and cutting edge viticultural practice. You’re more likely to find it in Bordeaux than Central California. Coupled with the infectious passion and gracious, family style hospitality of the Daou brothers, Georges and Daniel, the result is pure magic. The kind of magic that comes in a bottle.
