Winemaker Notes
This DAOU Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon is a special selection from the Geneseo District in the heart of the Paso Robles AVA, where rolling hills, coastal breezes and clay-loam oils produce a uniquely elegant Cabernet Sauvignon.
 
The 2023 vintage is deep garnet in the glass and loaded with aromas of violet, cherry, blackberry, chocolate-covered blueberry and patisserie spices. The bouquet gains complexity with secondary nuances of clove, citrus and herb. On the palate, juicy acidity and polished tannins create a luxurious mouthfeel embroidered with blackberry, pomegranate, cherry cola, mocha and black pepper, all converging into a velvety finish that leaves a lasting impression.
 
Variety: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
Barrel Aged: 18 months in 50% new French oak
 
Inspired by the greatness of the 2021 vintage, Winemaker Daniel Daou resolved to create a special selection exclusively for DAOU members. The result is this limited edition Cabernet Sauvignon from the DAOU Reserve collection.
 
Proprietary Barrel Program:
Some of the barrels are crafted from rare, super fine-grain pink oak, that the brothers had custom-made as a proprietary DAOU barrel. 
Native Yeast Fermentation:
Fermented with wild yeasts cultured from DAOU Mountain, imbuing the wine with native texture and character. 
Daou Vineyards is a California winery in the Adelaida District AVA of Paso Robles. It is most closely associated with Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Sauvignon-dominant Bordeaux-style blends.
Daou also makes wine from some familiar Rhône grapes including Syrah, Viognier, Grenache Blanc and Roussanne. The portfolio also features Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc.
The wine portfolio is divided into four tiers at different price points. The top-level Estate Collection is, as the name suggests, made from estate-grown fruit. This range focuses on Bordeaux varieties and comprises:
Soul of a Lion: the flagship wine: Mostly Cabernet Sauvignon with Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot
Mayote: Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon with a smaller component of Petit Verdot
Estate Cabernet Sauvignon
Micho: Two-thirds Merlot with one-third Cabernet Sauvignon
Cuvée Lizzy: Malbec, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon
Sauvignon Blanc
The other ranges are:
Reserve Collection: combines estate fruit with grapes bought from selected growers. It includes single-vineyard wines from partner growers. such as the Solomon Hills Vineyard Pinot Noir from the Santa Maria Valley
Discovery Collection: mostly bought-in fruit. 
The various tiers also see different amounts of aging in new French oak barrels.
Daou vineyards are certified sustainable by SIP (Sustainability in Practice) for sustainable farming. All the estate fruit is hand harvested.
DAOU Vineyards & Winery history
The estate was established in 2007 by Beirut-born brothers George and Daniel Daou, who had previously built a successful IT business. Daniel has made the transition from engineer to winemaker.
The initial property consisted of a section of land that had once been part of the Hoffman Mountain Ranch. In 2012 the brothers bought the rest of the Hoffman property which increased their vineyard holdings to 86 hectares (212 acres).
The Hoffman Ranch had been the first modern commercial winery in Paso Robles after Prohibition. It was established by Stanley Hoffman with help from prominent Californian winemaker André Tchelistcheff.
Expressions Collection: at the time of writing comprises a single wine The Bodyguard, a blend of Petit Verdot and Petite Sirah (Durif)