DAOU Vineyards Bodyguard Chardonnay 2021

Region and Vineyards

The Central Coast of California, where this wine originates, is renowned for its cool oceanic influences and diverse microclimates, perfect for growing premium Chardonnay. The growing season in this region was marked by moderate weather and extended ripening periods, ensuring optimal fruit development with exceptional aromatic intensity and acidity.

The cooling breezes from the Pacific Ocean temper the warm days, allowing for slow ripening, which contributes to the balanced richness and complexity of the wine. The combination of limestone-rich soils and meticulous vineyard management ensures a pristine expression of Chardonnay.

Winemaking

The Bodyguard Chardonnay is made from 100% Chardonnay, embodying a modern yet refined style. The wine was aged for 10 months in a thoughtful mix of oak barrels: 30% new French oak, 30% new American oak, and 40% neutral French oak. This careful selection of oak types brings depth and layers to the wine without overshadowing its vibrant fruit character.

The meticulous aging process integrated tropical and floral nuances with a creamy, silky texture, highlighting the harmonious interplay between fruit and oak. With an alcohol level of 14.7%, the wine retains a lush, opulent mouthfeel while maintaining balance and elegance.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Bright golden-yellow with a radiant clarity.
• Aromas: Rich and fragrant, offering a bouquet of spiced pear, star jasmine, vanilla bean, and tropical rainforest. Secondary notes include pineapple, mango, crushed filberts, and buttered toast, accented by touches of allspice and honeysuckle.
• Palate: Crisp yet silky, with flavors of white peach, pineapple, honeydew melon, and lemon zest. Underlying tropical notes of papaya, kiwi, and passion fruit are seamlessly laced with toasty oak and baking spices. The wine finishes clean and lush, leaving lingering impressions of citrus, almond, and vanilla.

Did you know?

The Bodyguard label was conceived by the Daou brothers to reflect their dedication to producing wines that protect and elevate the natural beauty of their estate. The Chardonnay is crafted with the same attention to detail as their flagship reds, showcasing versatility and elegance in white winemaking.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Lobster risotto with saffron and Parmesan: Enhances the wine’s creamy texture and citrus notes.
• Grilled halibut with lemon herb butter: Matches its tropical fruit and toasty oak profile.
• Roasted chicken with thyme and garlic: Balances its rich mouthfeel with savory flavors.
• Triple cream Brie with toasted almonds: Complements its nutty, silky finish.

History of DAOU Vineyards

The story of DAOU Vineyards began with Georges and Daniel Daou, who immigrated to the United States from Lebanon. Inspired by their father Joseph Daou, a man of vision and courage, the brothers dreamed of creating a winery that would rival the greatest in the world. After achieving success in the tech industry, they sold their company in 1998 and dedicated themselves to their true passion: winemaking.

In 2007, they discovered the extraordinary terroir of what would become DAOU Mountain, a 100-hectare estate perched at 670 meters (2,200 feet) above sea level in the Adelaida District of Paso Robles. The property, once owned by André Tchelistcheff, was renowned for its calcareous clay soils, steep slopes, and Mediterranean climate—ideal for cultivating Bordeaux varietals. The Daou brothers reimagined the site, planting high-density vineyards and building a state-of-the-art winery.

Guided by a shared vision, Georges leads the business operations while Daniel, a trained winemaker, focuses on crafting wines of distinction. Over the years, their dedication to innovation, sustainable practices, and excellence has made DAOU Vineyards a benchmark producer in California.

Region and Vineyards

DAOU Mountain, located in the Paso Robles AVA, is one of the most unique and prestigious vineyard sites in California. Its calcareous clay soils, similar to those found in Bordeaux, provide excellent drainage and impart a distinct minerality to the wines. The high elevation and steep slopes create dramatic diurnal temperature shifts, with cool nights preserving acidity and warm days ensuring optimal ripening.

The Adelaida District’s climate is influenced by Pacific Ocean breezes, fostering balanced and complex wines. The vineyards are planted with Bordeaux varietals, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, and Malbec, as well as select white varietals like Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. The estate employs sustainable farming practices, reflecting the Daou family’s commitment to environmental stewardship.

Wine Range of DAOU Vineyards

DAOU Vineyards offers a diverse portfolio, crafted with precision and passion:

• Patrimony: The flagship label representing the pinnacle of winemaking, featuring ultra-premium Cabernet Sauvignon and blends.
• Reserve Wines: Highlighting the best vineyard blocks, these wines include Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, and Bordeaux-style blends.
• Estate Wines: A reflection of DAOU Mountain’s terroir, focusing on varietal purity and elegance.
• Pessimist: A bold and accessible range of red blends showcasing the expressive style of Paso Robles.
• Bodyguard: A celebration of approachability and finesse, with a focus on varietal wines like Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay.

Did you know?

The Daou brothers describe DAOU Mountain as “a jewel of ecological elements,” a phrase originally coined by legendary winemaker André Tchelistcheff. The estate’s calcareous soils, reminiscent of those in Bordeaux, inspired their vision to create wines that could stand among the world’s best.