At a glance

Producer

DAOU Vineyards & Winery

Region

Paso Robles, California, USA

Grape variety

Cabernet Sauvignon

Wine type

Red

Body

Full-bodied and Bold

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

$22-$30 USD

Tasting profile

Expressive aromas of blackberry, black cherry, cassis, mocha, vanilla, toasted oak, and hints of spice. Full-bodied palate with rich dark fruit, notes of cocoa, baking spice, and supple tannins.

Evolution: With 1-3 years in bottle, flavors may broaden to show more dried fruit, subtle tobacco, and softened oak character while retaining primary fruit.

At peak: Peak complexity and mouthfeel between 2025-2028 with a harmonious balance of fruit, oak, and smooth structure.

Structure

Acidity

Medium to medium-plus, freshening the palate

Tannins

Moderate to firm, ripe and rounded

Alcohol

14.2-14.5% ABV (typical for this cuvée/vintage)

Aging potential

Typical window of 5-7 years from vintage; can reach up to 8 years with ideal cellaring. Not intended for extended aging.

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2025 to 2028

Optimal window

2024 to 2029

Current status

Young, approachable now but can benefit from short-term cellaring.

Current condition

Primary fruit-forward, plush tannins, lively acidity; structure will hold for several years but designed for youthful enjoyment.

This is DAOU's widely distributed flagship Cabernet Sauvignon, crafted in a plush, fruit-forward style for early enjoyment. Drinkability is best within 5-7 years when the fruit is vibrant and tannins have settled; beyond this, a decline in fresh fruit is likely. Not built for 10+ year cellaring like DAOU's Reserve or Estate bottlings.

Food pairing

Grilled ribeye, BBQ brisket, lamb chops, burgers, portobello mushrooms, sharp cheddar, and blue cheeses. Can handle boldly seasoned and grilled foods.

Serving

Serving temperature

16-18°C / 61-64°F

Decant

Yes (30-45 minutes) — Decanting softens tannins and lets youthful fruit and oak aromas open up—especially helpful in years 1-3 after release.

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 7/10

DAOU Vineyards implements sustainable viticulture (cover crops, integrated pest management, minimal irrigation). Uses solar power for winery operations and has water conservation systems. Some efforts in lightweight glass and eco-friendly packaging but still uses traditional bottle formats for flagship wines.

DAOU prioritizes sustainability within the California wine industry's best-practice guidelines and is CSWA certified, demonstrating responsible vineyard and resource stewardship. They implement energy-efficient technologies and water-saving measures, but are not certified organic or biodynamic, and standard packaging is not ultra-lightweight. Overall, this wine achieves a solid sustainability rating for a mid-sized premium producer, balancing environmental concern with market practicality.