DAOU Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 750ml

The 2021 DAOU Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon is emblematic of Paso Robles as a world-class region for Bordeaux-style wines. Intense purple-red hues foreshadow deep aromas of black fruit, pomegranate, tobacco, mocha, and bay leaf. Trailing notes of clove, nutmeg, and vanilla emerge as the wine opens up in the glass. Opulent textures expand across the palate with flavors of red fruit, blueberry, and chocolate-covered raspberry. The overall experience is fresh and rich, concluding with velvety tannins and impressive length.

95 points Wine Enthusiast

Dark and focused aromas of cherry, clove and caramel meet with creamy milk chocolate and mahogany on the layered nose of this bottling. Showing a deft mastery of tannins, which is the Daou hallmark, the palate is silky and yet structured, offering rich fruit.

94 points James Suckling

Beautiful cabernet character here with blackcurrants and blackberries at the perfect level of ripeness, together with hints of walnuts, cedar and black olives. Graphite, too. Medium- to full-bodied, so silky and polished. Tightly packed tannins but refined and delicate at the same time. Lingering finish. Even and long.

92 points Wine Advocate

The 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve is a blend of 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 23% Petit Verdot, 1% Merlot and 1% Cabernet Franc matured in 50% new French oak for 16 months. It has inviting aromas of chocolate, cigars, dried herbs and classy oak spices over a core of dark fruit. The medium-bodied palate is silky and fresh with a long, flavorful finish, although it feels youthfully wound and will benefit from a few more years in bottle. (EB)