Wine Advocate 93
“A barrel sample composed of 78% Cabernet Sauvignon with 12% Petit Verdot and 10% Merlot, the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve displays notes of crème de cassis, pure plums, beef drippings, iron ore and dried herbs with touches of pencil lead and cedar. The fruit on the medium-bodied palate is totally singing at this nascent stage, offering vibrant blackberry layers, nice ripe tannins and a long, earthy finish.”-WA

Jeb Dunnuck 93
“Schedule to be bottled in June of next year, the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve (78% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Petit Verdot and the balance Merlot) is beautiful. Cassis, plums, licorice and spring flowers all emerge from this downright hedonistic, plump, sexy, beauty of a Cabernet that's a smoking value. Like with the 2015 this will end up spending 20 months in 50% new French oak.”-JD

Vinous 93
“(50% new French oak) Opaque ruby. Smoke- and spice-accented dark fruit, rose pastille, vanilla and cola aromas, along with smoky oak and cola overtones. Palate-staining cherry, black currant and spicecake flavors are lifted and sharpened by a spine of juicy acidity. Gains flesh and weight with air and finishes appealingly sweet and very long, displaying persistent dark berry and spice notes and smooth, slow-mounting tannins.”-AG

“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