At a glance

Producer

DAOU Vineyards

Region

Paso Robles, California, USA

Grape variety

Cabernet Sauvignon (with small amounts of Merlot, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc possible as per DAOU’s estate blend style)

Wine type

Red

Body

Full-bodied and Bold

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

$26-32 (Wine-Searcher average retail pricing for 750ml, verified June 2024)

Tasting profile

Bold aromas of blackberry, black cherry, cassis, mocha, sweet baking spice, and subtle vanilla from oak. Full palate with lush, dark fruit, chocolate, velvety tannins, toasted coconut, and graphite notes. Energetic, ripe, youthful.

Evolution: Further cellaring will see fruit integrate and tertiary notes emerge: dried fig, espresso, cedar, and subtle earthy undertones. Oak will blend in, tannins soften, and texture become smoother and more harmonious.

At peak: At peak (2026-2030) expect heightened complexity, softer tannins, and balance between fresh black fruit and developed savory/spicy notes.

Structure

Acidity

Medium; provides freshness and lift, balances ripe fruit

Tannins

Supple, moderately firm, present but approachable; will continue to integrate and soften slightly with time

Alcohol

Typically 14.5%-15% ABV (2021 label confirms 14.5%); well-integrated, giving warmth but not overt heat

Aging potential

8-12 years from vintage; not a long-haul cellaring wine but has solid mid-term aging capability for the style and price

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2026 to 2030

Optimal window

2024 to 2032

Current status

Ready now, but will improve with short-term cellaring

Current condition

Youthful and vibrant, showing structure but accessible with short aeration

2026-2030 is peak for this wine because by then, the energetic fruit will have integrated with the oak, tannins will soften, and the wine will strike a harmonious balance between primary fruit and emerging maturity flavors (cedar, mocha, dried herbs). After this, fruit intensity may slowly wane, resulting in less vibrancy, though the wine should remain pleasant for several more years if cellared properly.

Food pairing

Pairs excellently with grilled ribeye, lamb chops with rosemary, pepper-crusted beef tenderloin, aged cheddar, barbecue short ribs, or portobello mushrooms. As the wine evolves and tannins soften, pairings with roast pork, richer poultry, and mushroom risottos also shine.

Serving

Serving temperature

16-18°C / 61-64°F

Decant

Yes (30-60 minutes) — Young Cabernet structure benefits from aeration to soften tannins, enhance aromatics, and integrate fruit/oak notes.

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 6/10

Sustainable viticulture, water conservation, cover cropping, renewable energy use

DAOU Vineyards practices sustainable farming verified by SIP certification, employing soil conservation and solar energy. While not fully organic or carbon-neutral, DAOU makes notable efforts in eco-friendly viticulture and resource use compared to industry norms for the region.