DAOU Vineyards Soul of a Lion Red 2020

Region and Vineyards

The Adelaida District, located in Paso Robles, is known for its high elevation, limestone-rich soils, and a Mediterranean climate. DAOU Mountain, rising to an impressive 670 meters (2,200 feet) above sea level, provides optimal conditions for Bordeaux varietals. The combination of steep slopes and calcareous clay soil creates excellent drainage and minerality, imparting elegance and structure to the wines.

Legendary winemaker André Tchelistcheff once called DAOU Mountain a "jewel of ecological elements," and the Daou brothers rediscovered this exceptional terroir in 2007. The 2020 growing season tested the resilience of the vineyards with dry conditions, an August thunderstorm, and heatwaves. Despite these challenges, the vintage yielded grapes with remarkable complexity and intensity.

Winemaking

Soul of a Lion 2020 is a meticulously crafted blend of 81% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Cabernet Franc, and 6% Petit Verdot, showcasing the precision and artistry of winemaker Daniel Daou. The wine underwent 22 months of aging in 100% new French oak barrels, contributing to its depth, velvety texture, and refined oak integration.

The grapes were handpicked from the estate’s best vineyard blocks, ensuring optimal ripeness and concentration. The limestone-rich soil lends a distinct minerality to the wine, balancing its richness and enhancing its aging potential. With an ABV of 15.2%, this wine achieves opulence while retaining elegance and balance.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Deep, opaque ruby with vibrant garnet highlights, indicating its concentration and aging potential.
• Aromas: A symphony of black cherry, mulberry, and blackberry, layered with notes of leather, cigar box, and dark chocolate. Subtle hints of sage, crème de menthe, and truffle add intrigue and complexity.
• Palate: Silky and voluptuous, with flavors of cassis, ripe cherry, black raspberry, and currant, complemented by earthy tones of dates, fig, and baking spices. A velvety texture, framed by ripe tannins and limestone minerality, leads to a lengthy finish with lingering impressions of espresso, plum, and a touch of white pepper.

Did you know?

Soul of a Lion is named in honor of the Daou brothers’ father, Joseph Daou, who exemplified courage, love, and passion throughout their lives. The wine symbolizes their journey to discover DAOU Mountain, fulfilling a lifelong dream to create exceptional wines from world-class terroir.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Grilled filet mignon with wild mushroom sauce: Enhances the wine’s earthy and savory undertones.
• Lamb shank braised with rosemary and garlic: Complements its bold structure and rich fruit profile.
• Duck breast with cherry reduction: Mirrors the wine’s vibrant red fruit and velvety texture.
• Dark chocolate ganache tart: Balances the wine’s richness and accentuates its subtle spice 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.