This Sip of the Week comes to you from 39,003 feet elevation as I fly from California to Florida for a conference. And while I’m stuck in the air for a day, I’ll be wishing I had a glass of 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon from DAOU Vineyards to sip on.
We received this bottle of DAOU 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon as a gift from some family over the holidays, and a rainy February evening seemed like the perfect time to open it.
I had never had a DAOU wine before, but had always heard good things about it. I was excited to give this bottle a try and learn more about the vineyard in the process.
Located in Paso Robles, California, DAOU touts its vineyard as providing the ideal conditions for growing Bordeaux grape varieties, most notably Cabernet Sauvignon.
DAOU Mountain, the home of 115 acres of DAOU grapes, features vines grown in calcareous clay soil (similar to Bordeaux’s Right Bank), and fruit perfected by the Pacific microclimate. The result is wine that is perfectly balanced in acidity, features ripe fruit flavor, and showcases herbaceous terroir. Additionally, DAOU has received a Sustainability in Practice (SIP) certification, meaning each precious grape is harvested in a mindful, earth-friendly fashion. (You may remember how much I appreciate wineries who have sustainable practices…check out my posts here and here about Troon Vineyards in Oregon, another sustainable and biodynamic vineyard!)
DAOU is a family-owned vineyard, with the Dauo brothers serving as visionaries and operators for the enterprise.
With roots in Lebenon and an upbringing in France, their wine showcases family history as well as winemaking styles from across the globe. Their passion for wine has flourished into a Paso Robles namesake throughout their journey, and their high-end wines are recognized by enthusiasts and pros alike.
Now, to the taste!
Immediately after opening this bottle of DAOU 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon, aromas of herbs and spices were apparent. Upon first sip, the wine was smooth, but not yet open and full-bodied. I learned that this bottle needs a couple hours in a decanter to really come into its own.
After opening up, the DAOU Cab showcases balanced flavors of ripe fruit and subtle herbs. It is a smooth wine with very soft tannins, meaning it is easy to drink and leaves little bitterness on the tongue. This wine pairs well with rich, hearty foods (in my case, with my Instant Pot Beef Stew!).
It’s been a while since I’ve enjoyed a good Cab Sauv, so it was nice to revisit the varietal with this bottle from DAOU.
Cabernet Sauvignons tend to take over the marketplace these days (ever see the two full aisles of Cab in Total Wine?!), and identifying a decent bottle can be like trying to find a needle in a haystack. It’s nice to find a reputable vineyard like DAOU to point you in the right direction just as you’re feeling lost in a sea of bottles!
My recommendation: give DAOU a try if you haven’t already. I will be paying them a visit in Paso Robles before long!
Have you tried a wine from DAOU Vineyards? Let me know in the comments below!
