DAOU Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve (2020)

Hailing from the exemplary 2020 vintage, this DAOU Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon showcases Paso Robles as a world-class region for Bordeaux-style wines. Classic aromas of Oregon blackberry, Zante currant and cherry pipe tobacco anticipate subtle notes of cranberry, baking spice, licorice, slate and dark chocolate. The palate is voluptuous and velvety with a firm underlying structure. Lavish flavors of blueberry, black raspberry, wild cherry and cassis are beautifully integrated with hints of truffle, dried herbs and forest floor. A smooth, persistent finish lingers with impressions of of sweet cherry, black plum and mushroom. While polished and approachable now, this is a Cabernet Sauvignon that will continue to evolve with grace and nuance.

Blend: 76% Cabernet Sauvignon, 23% Petit Verdot, 1% Cabernet Franc

Tasting Notes

93 Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve, made entirely with free-run juice, is blended with 23% Petit Verdot, 1% Merlot and 1% Cabernet Franc and was matured for 16 months in 50% new French oak. Deep ruby-purple, it offers savory aromas of black cherries, charcuterie, cedar, mushroom, tobacco, dried herbs and pencil shavings. The medium-bodied palate is chalky and fresh with savory fruits and a mineral-driven finish. Best After 2023.

91 Connoisseurs' Guide
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.