Daou 2016 Soul of a Lion Red

The 2016 Soul of a Lion is a balanced, elegant and rich wine from a superb vintage that allowed for extended hanging. The smooth and silky tannins are very well integrated with the fruit and acidity of the wine. Family owned and operated, DAOU Vineyards & Winery is committed to producing collectible, world-class wines to rival the most respected appellations in the world. DAOU Mountain’s combination of remarkable geology, microclimate, a 2,200-foot elevation, and steep slopes gives it a terroir described as “a jewel of ecological elements.” As stewards of this beautiful terroir, our goal is to make fine wines that honestly and accurately reflect the potential of the estate.

Blend: 86 % Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Cabernet Franc, & 4% Petit Verdot

Alcohol: 14.7%

98 POINTS - "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. It’s an incredible achievement and has sensational notes of crème 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. Don’t think Paso Robles can make world-class Cabernet Sauvignon? Try this wine." - Jeb Dunnuck

94-96 POINTS - "Slated for bottling in August, the 2016 Soul Of A Lion is another immensely promising example of this Cabernet Sauvignon-dominated cuvée. 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. " - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

94 POINTS - "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." - James Suckling

In the glass, the wine reveals a deep and complex bouquet of cassis, black currant, licorice, incense, ripe plums and a hint of vanilla. On the palate, the wine is full bodied, layered and complex with a persistent finish. It is hard to drink this wine without respecting the great structure that will allow it to evolve nicely for years to come. A true blockbuster vintage that showcases the great power that comes from DAOU Mountain.