James Suckling 94
Ripe and sweet fruit aromas of apples, limes and green papaya with some vanilla. Some caramel undertones. Full-bodied, yet tight and compact palate. Flavorful finish. It opens nicely on the finish with lots of wood, vanilla, toffee and ripe-apple flavors. Drink or hold.-JS

Connoisseurs' Guide 91
Daous rich and outgoing 2019 Reserve Chardonnay immediately impresses with its aromatic breadth and depth and needs no coaxing to reveal layer upon layer of ripe apples, peaches and lovely, toasted brioche sweetness. Running true to its nose with respect to layered richness and fruity largesse on the palate yet beautifully proportioned and just as well-balanced as it is rich, this is a wholly satisfying wine at the moment, its tender age notwithstanding. We would not argue with those who choose to enjoy it in short order, but it is destined to age famously and in no way demands hasty drinking.-CG

Wilfred Wong 90
COMMENTARY: The 2019 DAOU Reserve Chardonnay delivers nicely on the palate and finishes with a bright zing in its finish. TASTING NOTES: This wine shows ripe apple and oak in its aromas and flavors. Enjoy it with shellfish in cream sauces. (Tasted: December 18, 2020, San Francisco, CA)-WW

This gorgeous Chardonnay displays straw with shimmering gold highlights. The wine coats the glass when swirled and rolls about the bowl with a silky, satin texture. The nose bears tropical notes with a full profile of ripe ruby red grapefruit, white peach and a dash of apricot. The French oak stands dutifully in the background allowing the fruit to elevate to perfection. On the palate there is a distinct richness that makes the fruit and oak balance become even more evident. The lush qualities of this wine envision many excellent pairings with a variety of cuisines. This Chardonnay can be enjoyed now, but will have a long and gracious life in the bottle.-Winemaker Notes

In the golden, oak-studded hills of Paso Robles' fabled west side, not far from William Randolph Hearst's magnificent castle, there is a man with a Homeric vision. His name is Daniel Daou and he is devoting his life and every imaginable resource to creating, first and foremost, a Cabernet Sauvignon that rivals the very best in the world.
Gracefully perched atop a stunning promontory at 2,200 feet, the DAOU Spanish Colonial style winery is embraced by a tangible serenity. Hawks wheel and bank while the all-day sun caresses close planted rows of lush, emerald green vines. The 100 percent calcareous soil makes no sound as it passes out nourishment and only a gentle breeze flows up through the Templeton Gap from the Pacific. The quiet is bewitching; you want to lay down roots here, just as the four-year-old vines have done. But the sense of peace belies the serious industry at work on this 100 acre estate. No effort is spared to create the luscious varietals and blends that flow from this limited production winery. This kind of synergy happens rarely: superlative climate and terroir, super intensive vineyard culture, and cutting edge viticultural practice. You're more likely to find it in Bordeaux than Central California. Coupled with the infectious passion and gracious, family style hospitality of the Daou brothers, Georges and Daniel, the result is pure magic. The kind of magic that comes in a bottle.-Winery Notes