Wine Advocate 92
A value-priced Rhne blend that usually contains some Zinfandel and Petite Syrah, the 2017 Pessimist offers up rich aromas of dark fruit, grilled meat, licorice and black olive. It's full-bodied, rich and spicy, with good balance and an intense, flavorful finish.
Barrel Sample: 90-92-RP

Jeb Dunnuck 90
Moving to the 2017s, the already bottled 2017 Pessimist is a lot of wine for not much buck. This full-bodied, fleshy, sexy wine gives up lots of black fruits, chocolate, spice, and subtle vanilla notes and certainly put a smile on my face. Its a pleasure bent, undeniably hedonistic wine to drink over the coming couple of years.-JD

The 2017 Pessimist has a powerful and intensely aromatic nose that ascends to greet you with blueberry, boysenberry and black plum fragrance. Evolving layers reveal elderberry and truffle, with cocoa and cardamom spice accents, further augmented by hints of eucalyptus, leather, cherry pipe tobacco and grilled meats. The finish is smooth and leisurely. Essences of pure dark berry fruit seemingly refuse to abate with a gorgeous fitting finale.
Blend: Petite Sirah 64, Syrah 23, 10 Zinfandel, 2 Lagrein, and 1 Tannat.-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