Daou Cabernet Sauvignon 2020: A Review of the Latest Vintage

DAOU Cabernet Sauvignon 2020 is a premium wine that has gained popularity among wine enthusiasts and connoisseurs alike. This wine is produced by DAOU Vineyards, a family-owned winery situated in the Adelaida District of Paso Robles, California. DAOU Vineyards is known for producing high-quality wines that reflect the unique terroir of the region.

The DAOU Cabernet Sauvignon 2020 is made with free-run juice and matured for 21 months in 100% new French oak. It has a deep ruby color and opens with touches of tar, dried herbs, and roasted peppers with a core of blackcurrants and cherries, plus wafts of lavender. This wine has a full-bodied flavor with a long, smooth finish, making it a perfect choice for special occasions or for those who appreciate a good glass of wine.

Overall, DAOU Cabernet Sauvignon 2020 is a wine that is worth trying for anyone who enjoys a full-bodied, flavorful wine with a unique character. With its rich flavor and smooth finish, it is a perfect choice for pairing with grilled meats, hearty stews, or other savory dishes. Whether you are a seasoned wine drinker or a novice, DAOU Cabernet Sauvignon 2020 is a wine that is sure to impress.

Overview of Daou Cabernet Sauvignon 2020

Daou Cabernet Sauvignon 2020 is a world-class wine produced by Daou Vineyards, a reputable producer located in the Adelaida District of Paso Robles. The 2020 vintage is of exceptional quality, with a rich and complex profile that showcases the unique terroir of the region.

Profile of the 2020 Vintage

The 2020 Daou Cabernet Sauvignon displays a deep ruby color and exudes aromas of blackberry, blueberry, cassis, black cherry, vanilla, and spice. It also has a roasted meat scent that adds complexity to its profile. On the palate, it is rich and full-bodied, with flavors of black plum sauce, Zante currant, cranberry, baking spice, and licorice. The wine has a tannic structure with a mineral finish, making it well-balanced and enjoyable to drink.

Tasting Notes

The tasting notes of the 2020 Daou Cabernet Sauvignon are indicative of its quality and unique profile. The wine has a rich and complex bouquet that includes aromas of blackberry, blueberry, cassis, black cherry, vanilla, and spice. On the palate, it has a tannic structure with flavors of black plum sauce, Zante currant, cranberry, baking spice, and licorice. The wine finishes with a mineral note that adds depth and complexity to its profile.

Viticultural Practices

Daou Vineyards uses sustainable viticultural practices to grow the grapes for its Cabernet Sauvignon. The vineyards are located in the Adelaida District of Paso Robles, where the calcareous clay soils and diurnal temperature changes create an ideal growing environment for Cabernet Sauvignon. The grapes are handpicked and sorted to ensure only the best fruit is used in the winemaking process.

Winemaking Techniques

The winemaking techniques used to produce the 2020 Daou Cabernet Sauvignon are a key factor in its quality and unique profile. The wine is aged for 21 months in 100% new French oak, which adds a toasty oak note to its profile. The wine is then bottled unfiltered to preserve its structure and balance.

Daou Vineyards and Winemaking

Daou Vineyards is a family-owned winery that was founded by brothers Georges and Daniel Daou. The winery is located on Daou Mountain in the Adelaida District of Paso Robles, where the unique terroir and climate create ideal growing conditions for Cabernet Sauvignon. The winery is known for producing world-class wines that showcase the unique terroir of the region.

Appellation and Terroir

The 2020 Daou Cabernet Sauvignon is produced in the Adelaida District of Paso Robles, which is known for its calcareous clay soils and diurnal temperature changes. These unique terroir characteristics create an ideal growing environment for Cabernet Sauvignon, resulting in wines of exceptional quality and complexity.

The Influence of Oak

The 2020 Daou Cabernet Sauvignon is aged for 21 months in 100% new French oak, which adds a toasty oak note to its profile. The oak also helps to preserve the wine's structure and balance, making it a collectible wine with aging potential.

Aging Potential and Collectibility

The 2020 Daou Cabernet Sauvignon has aging potential and is a collectible wine. The wine's tannic structure and mineral finish make it well-balanced and enjoyable to drink now, but it will also age gracefully for many years to come.

Food Pairings

The 2020 Daou Cabernet Sauvignon pairs well with a variety of foods, including roasted meats, grilled vegetables, and hearty stews. Its rich and complex profile also makes it a great wine to enjoy on its own.

The Daou Legacy

Daou Vineyards is a family-owned winery that was founded by brothers Georges and Daniel Daou. The winery is known for producing world-class wines that showcase the unique terroir of the region. The Daou legacy lives on through the exceptional quality of their wines and their commitment to sustainable viticultural practices.

Notable Mentions and Scores

The 2020 Daou Cabernet Sauvignon has received notable mentions and scores from wine experts and publications. Wine Enthusiast gave the wine a rating of 91 points, while Robert Parker's Wine Advocate awarded it 93 points. These scores are indicative of the wine's exceptional quality and unique profile.

Daou's Winemaking Philosophy

The Role of Terroir

Daou Vineyards recognizes the significance of terroir in crafting exceptional wines. Situated in the Adelaida District of Paso Robles, the vineyard benefits from calcareous clay soils and diurnal temperature changes. These unique environmental factors contribute to the development of grapes with complex flavors and balanced acidity, which form the foundation of Daou's world-class wines.

Influence of French Winemaking

Embracing the legacy of renowned winemaker André Tchelistcheff, Daou Vineyards incorporates traditional French winemaking techniques to produce wines of exceptional quality. The use of French oak barrels enhances the aging process, imparting subtle nuances and contributing to the distinctive character of their varietal and appellation blend wines.

Focus on Cabernet Sauvignon

Daou Vineyards' commitment to crafting exceptional Cabernet Sauvignon is evident in their meticulous approach to vineyard management and winemaking. The estate's dedication to this noble grape variety ensures that each bottle reflects the true essence of the varietal, showcasing the richness and complexity for which it is renowned.

Commitment to Quality

Daou Vineyards' unwavering commitment to quality is evident in every aspect of their winemaking process. From vineyard management to the final bottling, meticulous attention to detail ensures that each bottle of Daou Cabernet Sauvignon 2020 exemplifies the estate's dedication to producing world-class wines.

Wine Characteristics

Sensory Profile

The DAOU Cabernet Sauvignon 2020 has a deep ruby color with aromas of blackcurrants, cherries, and dried herbs. The wine opens with touches of tar, roasted peppers, and wafts of lavender. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied with flavors of blackcurrants, graphite, and spice.

Structural Components

The wine has a well-structured and balanced profile with moderate acidity and tannins. The tannins are firm but not overpowering, providing a good backbone to the wine. The wine has a long finish with a hint of minerality.

Complexity and Nuances

The DAOU Cabernet Sauvignon 2020 is a complex wine with nuances of dried herbs and spice. The wine was made with free-run juice and matured for 21 months in 100% new French oak barrels. The oak aging has added a layer of complexity to the wine, with notes of vanilla and chocolate.

Overall, the DAOU Cabernet Sauvignon 2020 is a well-structured wine with a good balance of fruit, tannins, and acidity. The wine has a complex and nuanced profile with a long finish. It is an excellent representation of Paso Robles as a world-class region for Bordeaux-style wines.

Purchasing and Shipping Information

Availability and Distribution

Daou Cabernet Sauvignon 2020 is available for purchase on the Daou Vineyards website and can be shipped to most states in the United States. However, it is important to note that shipping regulations vary by state and some states may not allow direct-to-consumer shipments. Customers are advised to check their state's regulations before placing an order.

Holiday Shipping and Codes

Daou Vineyards offers holiday shipping for their wines, including Daou Cabernet Sauvignon 2020. Customers who use the code "YOURTABLE" at checkout can include shipping costs in their order. It is important to note that holiday shipping may be affected by shipping facility closures during the holiday season, which may cause delays in shipments.

Customer Service Details

Daou Vineyards has a dedicated customer service team that can assist with any questions or concerns regarding the purchase and shipment of Daou Cabernet Sauvignon 2020. Customers can contact the team through the "Contact Us" section on the Daou Vineyards website. Additionally, customers can create an account on the website to track their shipments and view their order history. In the event that shipments are paused due to unforeseen circumstances, such as extreme weather, Daou Vineyards will notify customers and work to resolve the issue as quickly as possible.

Overall, customers can feel confident in their purchase of Daou Cabernet Sauvignon 2020 through Daou Vineyards. The website offers clear and easy-to-use ordering and tracking systems, as well as a knowledgeable customer service team to assist with any questions or concerns.

Pairing and Serving Suggestions

Ideal Food Pairings

Daou Cabernet Sauvignon 2020 is a full-bodied wine with rich flavors of blackberry, cassis, and black cherry. It has a roasted meat scent with a tannic structure that pairs well with a variety of meat dishes. The wine's bold flavors and high tannins make it a great pairing for red meats such as beef, lamb, and venison. It also pairs well with rich and hearty dishes such as stews and casseroles.

For a vegetarian option, try pairing Daou Cabernet Sauvignon 2020 with roasted vegetables such as eggplant, mushrooms, and bell peppers. The wine's tannins can help cut through the richness of the vegetables and enhance their flavors.

Decanting and Serving Temperature

To fully appreciate the flavors and aromas of Daou Cabernet Sauvignon 2020, it is recommended to decant the wine for at least an hour before serving. This will allow the wine to breathe and open up, revealing its full potential.

The ideal serving temperature for Daou Cabernet Sauvignon 2020 is between 60-65°F (16-18°C). Serving the wine too cold can mute its flavors and aromas, while serving it too warm can make the alcohol more prominent and overpowering.

Glassware Recommendations

To fully appreciate the wine's aromas and flavors, it is recommended to serve Daou Cabernet Sauvignon 2020 in a large, tulip-shaped glass. This type of glass allows the wine to breathe and enhances its aromas, while also providing enough space for swirling and aerating the wine.

In conclusion, Daou Cabernet Sauvignon 2020 is a versatile wine that pairs well with a variety of meat dishes and roasted vegetables. To fully appreciate its flavors and aromas, it is recommended to decant the wine for at least an hour before serving and to serve it at the ideal temperature in a large, tulip-shaped glass.

Exploring the 2020 Blend

Varietal Composition

The Daou Cabernet Sauvignon 2020 is a meticulously crafted blend that showcases the classic characteristics of Cabernet Sauvignon. This vintage predominantly features Cabernet Sauvignon, known for its bold tannins and rich dark fruit flavors. Complementing this, the blend also includes Petit Verdot, contributing to the wine's deep color and adding hints of blueberry and floral notes. Additionally, the inclusion of Merlot brings a softening touch, enhancing the overall structure and adding layers of blackberry and cassis to the palate.

Contributions of Blended Varieties

The 2020 vintage of Daou Cabernet Sauvignon exemplifies the art of blending, where each varietal contributes distinct elements to the final product. The Cabernet Sauvignon forms the backbone of the wine, providing a robust structure and intense flavors of blackberry and cassis. Petit Verdot, with its deep color and blueberry notes, adds complexity and depth to the blend. Meanwhile, the presence of Merlot imparts a velvety texture and introduces nuances of blackberry and cassis, harmonizing with the other varietals to create a well-balanced and expressive wine.