2021 Daou Vineyards Soul of a Lion, Paso Robles, USA (750ml)

WINEMAKER’S NOTES:

The 2021 vintage displays remarkable intensity in the glass with dark, inky ruby-purple hues. Abundant fruit aromas of black cherry, blackberry, blueberry jam and black currant are interwoven with accents of baking spices, sage and graphite. A voluminous entry introduces sumptuous layers of chocolate-covered blueberry, tobacco, mocha, vanilla and toasted oak. The mouthfeel is concentrated and elegant, with round, vibrant tannins that carry into a commanding finish. A wine of immense staying power that will evolve favorably for many years to come.

Blend: 82% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Cabernet Franc, 6% Petit Verdot

TASTING NOTES:

The 2021 Soul Of A Lion is a blend of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Cabernet Franc and 7% Petit Verdot. It was matured for 22 months in 100% new French oak, bottled in August of 2023 and tasted in late September. It takes some time to unfold scents of blackcurrants, blueberries, green pepper, dried lavender and sage and continues to open as it spends time in the glass. The palate is stunning! It has ripe, detailed fruit, pixelated tannins and seamless acidity and finishes with fantastic length and perfume. It’s an especially elegant example of this cuve and should be very long lived.

– Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate, 96pts

Extremely dark in the glass, it starts with heavily spiced aromas of vanilla, mocha and walnut cream that balance the rich black cherry and roasted berry fruits. The palates tannins are immensely grippy yet expertly polished, framing flavors of loam, black olive and graphite.

– Wine Enthusiast, 97pts

Perfumed and fruit-driven with elegant notes of blackberries, coffee beans and dried herbs. The palate is full-bodied with silky tannins and bright acidity, giving complex notes of blackcurrants, graphite, salt brine and cedar. Wonderfully balanced. Made from a blend of 82% cabernet sauvignon, 12% cabernet franc and 6% petit verdot.

– James Suckling, 95pts