DAOU Vineyards Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2022

DAOU Vineyards Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2022

 

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DAOU Vineyards
Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2022
  • Vintage : 2022
  • Country : USA
  • Region : California
  • Subregion : Central Coast
  • Type : Red
  • Style : Rich and Spicy
  • Format : 75cl
  • Alcohol : 15,2°
  • Grappes : 77% Cabernet Sauvignon, 23% Petit Verdot

DAOU Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon is a showcase of the finest vineyard blocks in Paso Robles, delivering an opulent and beautifully balanced expression of this world-class region for Bordeaux varietals.

Experts Score Vintage
JS James Suckling 95 2022
RP Robert Parker 94 2022
WE Wine Enthusiast 95 2021
VN Vinous (Antonio Galloni) 92 2021
CG Connoisseurs' Guide 91 2020
DCT Decanter 90 2020
More information on wine critics and ratings

Region and Vineyards

The Paso Robles AVA is known for its diverse terroirs, benefitting from a Mediterranean climate influenced by coastal breezes. The vineyards experience sharp diurnal temperature swings of up to 50 degrees Celsius, which allow the fruit to develop concentrated flavors while retaining freshness and acidity.

This vintage began with winter drought conditions, alleviated by timely rains in March and April that rejuvenated the soils. A later-than-usual bud break was followed by normal spring and summer patterns until an intense 10-day heatwave in early September. This challenging growing season tested winemaking expertise, ultimately yielding a "winemaker’s vintage" with wines that display power, balance, and complexity.

The fruit for this Cabernet Sauvignon comes from carefully selected vineyards across Paso Robles, including DAOU Mountain. Sustainable farming practices, calcareous soils, and high-density plantings ensure optimal ripeness and structure in the grapes.

Winemaking

The Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon underwent a meticulous winemaking process, starting with hand-harvesting at peak ripeness. After fermentation, the wine was aged for 18 months in 50% new French oak barrels, enhancing its depth and imparting a luxurious texture.

The oak regimen, combined with expert craftsmanship, highlights the interplay between fruit and tannins, ensuring seamless integration. The result is a wine of remarkable finesse, showcasing both the terroir’s innate qualities and the winemaker’s artistry.

Tasting Notes

  • Color: Deep ruby red with a brilliant clarity and dense hue.
  • Aromas: A fruit-forward bouquet of blackberry, raspberry, and plum, complemented by notes of licorice, vanilla, and thyme, with hints of cedar and minerality.
  • Palate: Layers of black fruit, chocolate-covered blueberries, and herbal undertones unfold with every sip. The finely structured tannins provide a velvety texture, leading to a lingering finish with touches of spice and earthy complexity.

Did you know?

The DAOU Reserve Collection, including this Cabernet Sauvignon, represents the highest level of winemaking at DAOU Vineyards, showcasing only the finest fruit from their estate and select vineyard blocks. Each bottle reflects the Daou family’s relentless pursuit of excellence and their deep connection to the land.

Wine Pairing Ideas

  • Grilled ribeye with rosemary butter: Complements the wine’s bold structure and savory notes.
  • Lamb tagine with prunes and almonds: Enhances its fruit complexity and warm spice profile.
  • Portobello mushroom risotto: Matches its earthy undertones and velvety finish.
  • Dark chocolate fondant: Balances its richness and highlights its dark fruit and mocha nuances.

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.

James Suckling (JS) : 95 Points (2022)
Fruit- and spice-driven, with aromas of blackberry compote, cigar box, cloves and violets. The palate is full-bodied with seamless tannins and integrated acidity, showing notes of blood plums, blueberries and graphite.

Robert Parker (RP) : 94 Points (2022)
The 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve is a barrel sample of 77% Cabernet Sauvignon and 23% Petit Verdot maturing for 16 months in 50% new French oak and is due to be bottled in the spring of 2024. The nose offers wild berry fruit streaked with graphite and nuances of truffle, forest floor and oak spices. The full-bodied palate is highly concentrated and floral, with approachable, clay-textured tannins, satisfying bursts of acidity and a long, perfumed finish.Barrel Sample: 92-94

Wine Enthusiast (WE) : 95 Points (2021)
Dark and focused aromas of cherry, clove and caramel meet with creamy milk chocolate and mahogany on the layered nose of this bottling. Showing a deft mastery of tannins, which is the Daou hallmark, the palate is silky and yet structured, offering rich fruit and lightly bitter walnut flavors.?

Vinous (Antonio Galloni) (VN) : 92 Points (2021)
The 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve is a total pleasure to take in as sweet mint and cherry sauce come together with hints of graphite, orange zest and blackberry. It sweeps across the palate with ease, silken yet lifted and refined. Crunchy mineral tones lend contrast to depths of tart red berry fruits. The 2021 leaves behind an air of mentholated herbs, white pepper and a tinge of dark chocolate, finishing long, complex and structured as fine-grained tannins resonate yet don't impede the momentum.

Connoisseurs' Guide (CG) : 91 Points (2020)
Fully ripe and generously fruited with a strong blackcurrant and black cherry presence evident at every turn and subtle hints of dark chocolate and creamy, well-integrated oak adding to its overall impression of ongoing richness, this ample young Cabernet is less overtly tannic and thus a bit easier to access than Daou’s Estate offering from the same vintage. That is not to say that it will not benefit from further age, but, here, midterm cellaring of some three to five years should find this one approaching its flavorful peak.

Decanter (DCT) : 90 Points (2020)
A premium Cabernet Sauvignon that drinks above its price point. Dark notes of blackberry, black plum, black pepper and black liquorice on both nose and palate. Chalky tannins, a hint of pencil shavings and minerality add interesting secondary flavours, contributing to the wines complexity. A strong and persistent finish.

DAOU Vineyards Reserve Chardonnay 2022
DAOU Vineyards Reserve Chardonnay 2022
DAOU Vineyards
Reserve Chardonnay 2022
WE
91
JS
94
CG
91
DAOU Reserve Chardonnay is an elegant and opulent expression of California winemaking, blending tropical richness with balanced acidity, crafted by the meticulous artistry of Daniel Daou.
48,90 €
Quantity : moins plus
DAOU Vineyards Bodyguard Chardonnay 2021
DAOU Vineyards Bodyguard Chardonnay 2021
DAOU Vineyards
Bodyguard Chardonnay 2021
WE
90
Bodyguard Chardonnay, envisioned by Georges and Daniel Daou, is a true expression of craftsmanship, combining depth, complexity, and a beautifully clean finish.
44,90 €
Quantity : moins plus
DAOU Vineyards Pessimist 2021
DAOU Vineyards Pessimist 2021
DAOU Vineyards
Pessimist 2021
RP
92
WE
93
JD
92
DAOU Vineyards Pessimist 2021 is a captivating blend from Paso Robles, delivering bold flavors of dark fruit, spice, and velvety richness, perfectly embodying the region’s dynamic terroir and DAOU’s innovative winemaking approach.
30,90 €
Quantity : moins plus
DAOU Vineyards Patrimony Cabernet Sauvignon 2020
DAOU Vineyards Patrimony Cabernet Sauvignon 2020
DAOU Vineyards
Patrimony Cabernet Sauvignon 2020
RP
97
JS
95
JD
99
DAOU Vineyards Patrimony Cabernet Sauvignon 2020 is the pinnacle of luxury winemaking, crafted from the finest vineyard rows on DAOU Mountain, representing a pure and elevated expression of terroir and craftsmanship.
395,00 €
Quantity : moins plus
DAOU Vineyards Soul of a Lion Red 2020
DAOU Vineyards Soul of a Lion Red 2020
DAOU Vineyards
Soul of a Lion Red 2020
RP
95
WE
97
DCT
95
DAOU Vineyards Soul of a Lion 2020 is the crown jewel of DAOU Mountain, a bold and elegant wine crafted from the estate’s finest vineyard blocks, representing the Daou brothers' relentless pursuit of excellence.
190,00 €
Quantity : moins plus
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