2019 Daou Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Estate Cabernet "Soul of a Lion", USA, California, Paso Robles, Wine Review

While not their "top" wine, this is an ultra premium Cabernet that is on par with Napa or any other Cabernets at this price level. It is a blend of 78% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Cabernet Franc, and 10% Petit Verdot. Purple in color, opaque and bright. The nose is open and enticing. Cassis, black raspberries, cigar box, chocolate, spice and char. Full bodied. Soft texture although firm tannins. On the palate, this is delicious. It is young but open. Cassis, chocolate, slight plums, spice and char. Tight but complex. Long finish. This drinks great on its own and would be a perfect wine for a grilled steak. Drink over the next fifteen years.

Grade:

A+

Score:

Vintage:

2019

Current Price:

$140.00USD

Top 50 California Cabernet Sauvignons to Try Before You Quit Drinking (a non-dump bucket list if you will!)

In putting together a list of the top California Cabernets, there is sure to be some disagreement. I tried to include those wines that have a track record, the wineries still making great wines, those that seemed to have the commitment for the future and some personal favorites. I am sure I left some out. 1. Shafer Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Hillside Select – It’s always hard to name the number one wine. But this has a track record that’s very long. Even in less than stellar vintages, it is an outstanding wine. They just don’t seem to make a dud. My only complaint is the price at over $200 a bottle. But, in comparison to other Napa Cabs or elsewhere in the world, this is a fair price.

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2019 Daou Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Patrimony, USA, California, Paso Robles, Wine Review

Vintage:

2019

Score:

Grade:

Current Price:

$199.00USD

This wine is proof that Paso Robles can make world class Cabernets (in addition to Rhone Varietals). The Daou brothers second vintage of this wine is very young but easily could be a 100 pointer with some bottle age and development. As it, it is outstanding right now. Inky purple in color, ruby at the rim, opaque and bright. The nose has cassis, chocolate, graphite, cigar tobacco, and cedar. Great texture. Firm tannins. Concentrated. Nice balance. On the palate, concentrated cassis with graphite, and chocolate and slight tobacco. It unwinds in the glass. Long finish. If drinking

2022 Daou Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Paso Robles, USA, California, Wine Review

Vintage:

2022

Score:

Grade:

B+

Current Price:

$18.00USD

This is their basic Cabernet. it is a blend of 77.5% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15.6% Petit Verdot, 6.5% Merlot, and 0.4% Cabernet Franc. It had been in a decanter for about 45 minutes when I tried it. Nevertheless, it was at least partially shut down at this point. Garnet in color, mostly clear and bright. The nose is very tight. With some air in the glass, it opened a bit more. Aromas of Black cherries, sandalwood and slight char. Medium to full bodied. Firm tannins. On the palate, it is a bit more open. Black cherries with some spice and char. Moderate finish. This wine needs time

2017 Daou Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Paso Robles, USA, California, Central Coast, Paso Robles, Wine Review

Vintage:

2017

Score:

Grade:

B+

Current Price:

$19.00USD

This is a very nice value for those looking for a reasonably priced California Cabernet. It is from Paso Robles, an area generally not known for its Cabs. Dark ruby in color. The nose has cherries and slight kirsch notes along with some baking spice and a bit of vanilla. On the palate, this is medium bodied with good acidity. Cherries with some oak. Medium finish. This will improve over the next couple of years as it integrates and should be good for five to seven after that. A nice with with grilled burgers.

Which California Cabernet Sauvignons Deserve "First Growth" Status?

In 1855, the Exposition Universelle was held in Paris to showcase all that was good in France. Emperor Napoleon III requested the leading Bordeaux merchants to rank the best wines . The top wines were rated as First Growths. Over the years, many people in the rest of the world have discussed what wines from their country would be First Growths. I am often asked what I think the First Growths of California are. It is an interesting conversation with lots of room for debate.

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2019 Daou Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Estate Cabernet "Soul of a Lion", USA, California, Paso Robles, Wine Review

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Which California Cabernet Sauvignons Deserve "First Growth" Status?