Jeb Dunnuck 98
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. Its an incredible achievement and has sensational notes of crme 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. Dont think Paso Robles can make world-class Cabernet Sauvignon? Try this wine.-JD

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate 96
Slated for bottling in August, the 2016 Soul Of A Lion is another immensely promising example of this Cabernet Sauvignon-dominated cuve. Tasted from barrel, the wine reveals a deep and complex bouquet of smoky cassis, incense, ripe plums and rich soil. On the palate, it's full-bodied, layered and complete, with imposing power and savory structure framing a deep core of fruit. There's more depth and dimension here than in the 2015 rendition, and I suspect it will be even better.-RP

James Suckling 94
Super dark with a ton of bitter chocolate and cocoa powder, plus smoke and a hint of gunpowder. This has a great balance of full, powdery tannins and earthy power. Long, really complex finish. You could drink this now, but if you wait until at least 2021, it will give even more pleasure.-JS

In the glass, this wine appears inky-black with a velvety core. On the nose, however, you are treated to the lightness of fresh violets, crushed blueberries, and cocoa. Complexity is confirmed on the palate with a combination of ripe blueberries and blackberries dusted with hints of cedar, tobacco, spice, and ash. Bright acidity, firm tannins, and moderate alcohol create a balanced structure with a long and seamless finish hinting of toasted vanilla and hazelnuts. Made from the best vines on DAOU Mountain, this wine beautifully showcases the characteristics of Cabernet Sauvignon as a varietal.-Winemakers 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