DAOU Vineyards Patrimony Cabernet Sauvignon 2020

Region and Vineyards

The Adelaida District of Paso Robles, where DAOU Mountain is located, is one of California’s premier terroirs for producing world-class Cabernet Sauvignon. At an elevation of 670 meters (2,200 feet), DAOU Mountain’s calcareous clay soils and dramatic diurnal temperature shifts create an ideal environment for achieving phenolic concentration, balance, and complexity.

The 2020 growing season began dry, followed by much-needed April rains that revitalized the soil and promoted healthy canopy growth. Mild and steady conditions persisted through midsummer, except for a rare August thunderstorm. These factors contributed to the precise ripening of fruit, delivering exceptional quality.

Only select rows from DAOU Mountain’s best blocks were cultivated for Patrimony Cabernet Sauvignon, with rigorous thinning and hand-sorting to ensure only the finest fruit was used. These methods guarantee an extraordinary focus on quality, with each cluster chosen for its optimal balance of ripeness and phenolic richness.

Winemaking

Patrimony Cabernet Sauvignon 2020 is a testament to meticulous craftsmanship. The wine underwent fermentation exclusively with wild yeasts cultured from DAOU Mountain, ensuring a unique native texture and character. Only free-run juice was used, further emphasizing purity and refinement.

The wine was aged for 30 months in 100% new French oak barrels, sourced from elite cooperages with bespoke toasting. These barrels, including Taransaud T5, Berger Custom Toast, and ANA Jupille, provide seamless oak integration, enhancing the wine’s complexity without overshadowing the pristine qualities of the fruit. The result is a wine of staggering depth and balance, designed to age gracefully for decades.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Deep ruby with an almost opaque core, showcasing immense concentration and aging potential.
• Aromas: Layers of cassis, blueberry, pomegranate, and blackcurrant, with underlying notes of tobacco, dark chocolate, and toasted spices. A subtle herbaceous hint of fennel and thyme adds intrigue.
• Palate: Full-bodied and rich, with flavors of blackberry jam, mocha, and cacao, supported by mouthwatering acidity and finely integrated tannins. The wine’s opulent texture is balanced by a mineral backbone, leading to a long, complex finish.

Did you know?

Patrimony represents the culmination of Georges and Daniel Daou’s dream to create a wine that could rival the greatest in the world. The name reflects their dedication to leaving a legacy of excellence and their commitment to the land of DAOU Mountain.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Beef Wellington with mushroom duxelles: Complements the wine’s richness and earthy complexity.
• Herb-crusted rack of lamb: Highlights the herbaceous and savory notes.
• Truffle risotto with aged Parmesan: Matches its opulence and minerality.
• 70% dark chocolate with sea salt: Balances its intensity and accentuates its mocha and cacao notes.

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.