DAOU PASO ROBLES CABERNET SAUVIGNON, CALIFORNIA 2020

Varietal: 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Petit Verdot

Region: Paso Robles, California

What's So Special: Gracefully perched atop a stunning promontory at 2,200 feet, the DAOU Spanish Colonial style winery is embraced by a tangible serenity. Hawks wheel and bank while the all-day sun caresses close planted rows of lush, emerald green vines. The 100 percent calcareous soil makes no sound as it passes out nourishment and only a gentle breeze flows up through the Templeton Gap from the Pacific. The quiet is bewitching; you want to lay down roots here, just as the four-year-old vines have done. But the sense of peace belies the serious industry at work on this 100 acre estate.

Tastes Like: Supple, ripe tannins provide ample backbone for the layers of boysenberry, black cherry, licorice and dried herb flavors. Fleshy and weighty on the palate while retaining balance and finesse, it finishes long and clean with lingering notes of plum and blackberry.

What the Pros Say: Jeb Dunnuck - 92 Points: "Not yet bottled, the 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon sports a deep purple hue to go with some classic Cabernet notes of cassis and blueberry fruits as well as chocolate, spicy oak, and lead pencil aromas and flavors. It's rich, medium to full-bodied, and textured."