2021 DAOU Vineyards Estate 'Soul of a Lion' Cabernet Sauvignon Adelaida District, Paso Robles

Winemaker Notes:  Named for the father of Georges and Daniel Daou, Soul of a Lion is the crown jewel of DAOU, and an emblem of our quest to produce unsurpassed Cabernet Sauvignon from the terroir of DAOU Mountain. The 2021 vintage displays remarkable intensity in the glass with dark, inky ruby-purple hues. Abundant fruit aromas of black cherry, blackberry, blueberry jam and black currant are interwoven with accents of baking spices, sage and graphite. A voluminous entry introduces sumptuous layers of chocolate-covered blueberry, tobacco, mocha, vanilla and toasted oak. The mouthfeel is concentrated and elegant, with round, vibrant tannins that carry into a commanding finish. A wine of immense staying power that will evolve favorably for many years to come.

VARIETAL COMPOSITION 82% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Cabernet Franc, 6% Petit Verdot

CRITICAL ACCLAIM


Wine Enthusiast - "Extremely dark in the glass, it starts with heavily spiced aromas of vanilla, mocha and walnut cream that balance the rich black cherry and roasted berry fruits. The palate's tannins are immensely grippy yet expertly polished, framing flavors of loam, black olive and graphite."


Robert Parker - "The 2021 Soul Of A Lion is a blend of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Cabernet Franc and 7% Petit Verdot. It was matured for 22 months in 100% new French oak, bottled in August of 2023 and tasted in late September. It takes some time to unfold scents of blackcurrants, blueberries, green pepper, dried lavender and sage and continues to open as it spends time in the glass. The palate is stunning! It has ripe, detailed fruit, pixelated tannins and seamless acidity and finishes with fantastic length and perfume. It's an especially elegant example of this cuvée and should be very long lived. 96+"


Vinous - "Dark as night, the 2021 Soul of a Lion takes its time opening in the glass as incense and sage give way to pencil lead, dried roses and black currants. This weighs on the palate with textures of pure velvet, seeming to envelop all that it touches in ripe red fruits as a pleasantly bitter balsamic tinge settles in, adding lovely contrast. It leaves a web of finely knit tannins that clench the senses with youthful poise, and yet somehow, the mouth continues to water. Hints of licorice and dark chocolate fade slowly."