DAOU 2020 Soul of a Lion

The 2020 vintage of Soul of a Lion from DAOU Winery marks a decade-long commitment to crafting unparalleled Cabernet Sauvignon, emblematic of their relentless pursuit of excellence rooted in the terroir of DAOU Mountain. This is not just a wine; it's a saga of familial dedication and a history steeped in courage.

Crafted by Winemaker Daniel Daou, the 2020 vintage tantalizes the senses with an enticing blend of black cherry, mulberry, and Oregon blackberry aromas, underscored by hints of leather, cigar box, and dark chocolate. With a palate as silky as it is voluptuous, it delivers a symphony of currant, cassis, and ripe cherry, intertwined with notes of fig, baking spice, and earthy undertones. Mature, ripe tannins impart a weighty, velvety texture, while a touch of limestone minerality and subtle oak add depth. The finish is nothing short of lingering, leaving impressions of blackberry, plum, espresso, and a hint of white pepper, promising years of evolution and delight.

DAOU Estate wines epitomize the visionary talent of Daniel Daou and the unique terroir of DAOU Mountain. The 2020 growing season posed challenges, yet from adversity emerged complexity. Heralded as a "jewel of ecological elements" by legendary winemaker André Tchelistcheff, DAOU Mountain, rediscovered by brothers Georges and Daniel Daou in 2007, is a testament to their unwavering commitment to excellence. Blessed with calcareous clay soil and steep slopes reaching 2,200 feet, it serves as the perfect canvas for crafting world-class wines.

The relentless pursuit of excellence drives DAOU Winery, a family-owned and operated establishment. With each bottle, they strive to create not just exceptional wine but emotional connections and elevated experiences. The 2020 Soul of a Lion is no exception, blending Cabernet Sauvignon (81%), Cabernet Franc (13%), and Petit Verdot (6%) with meticulous care. Aged for 22 months in 100% new French oak, it boasts an ABV of 15.2%, a testament to its bold yet refined character.

For those who seek more than just a wine, Soul of a Lion Red embodies a legacy—a story of passion, innovation, and artistry. It's not merely a vintage; it's an invitation to savor life's extraordinary moments, one sip at a time.

Alcohol: 15.2%

98 POINTS - "Also bottled the week before this tasting, the 2016 Soul of a Lion includes more Cabernet Sauvignon than the 2014 and 2015 and is 84% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Cabernet Franc and the rest Petit Verdot. It’s an incredible achievement and has sensational notes of crème de cassis, graphite, violets, and lead pencil shavings. Made in a pure California, pedal-to-the-metal style, with full body and loads of fruit, it stays balanced, has ultra-fine tannins, and a layered, seamless style that just glides over the palate. Don’t think Paso Robles can make world-class Cabernet Sauvignon? Try this wine." - Jeb Dunnuck

96 POINTS - "The 2020 Soul Of A Lion is tighter and more backward than the 2019 (which was also tight and focused at this stage as well), offering lots of ripe black fruits, new leather, mineral, and iron nuances to go with a medium to full-bodied, concentrated, structured style on the palate. It's unquestionably a beautiful, outstanding wine." - Jeb Dunnuck

95 POINTS - "The 2020 Soul Of A Lion, made from free-run juice, is a blend of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Cabernet Franc and 7% Petit Verdot matured for 22 months in 100% new French oak. It has a deep ruby color and pure aromas of blackcurrants, tobacco, truffle and thyme with touches of leather and graphite. The full-bodied palate has a pleasantly rustic texture and savory character, finishing with tobacco accents." - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

95 POINTS - "Full, voluptuous and complex wine which will only improve with age. The fruit is dominant now, but the tertiary notes are knocking on the door. Aromas of dark berries, blackberries and blackcurrants, confirmed on the palate alongside mocha, chocolate and black liquorice notes. Medium-plus to firm tannins that will continue to integrate with age. A lengthy finish. This wine has a long life ahead." - Decanter

95 POINTS - "Seductive and enchanting nose with aromas of wild berries, dried herbs, pencil lead, bark and leather. It's full-bodied with fine tannins. Well-built with the harmonious structure supporting a velvety core of berries and chocolate which caress the mid-palate." - James Suckiling

The 2020 vintage presents an alluring profusion of black cherry, mulberry and Oregon blackberry aromas with notes of leather, cigar box and dark chocolate. Hints of desert sage and crème de menthe accent the rich fruit. The palate is silky and voluptuous, delivering loads of currant, cassis, black raspberry and ripe cherry. Notes of fig and baking spice are underscored by earthy tones of dates and truffle. Mature, ripe tannins yield a weighty, velvety texture integrated with a limestone minerality and subtle oak. A lengthy finish leaves lingering impressions of blackberry, plum and espresso with a touch of white pepper. A wine of immense staying power that will evolve favorably for many years to come.