Ten years ago, brothers Georges Daou and Daniel Daou set forth across California to find an unrivaled terroir for producing Cabernet Sauvignon, a quest that led them to a place of foretold greatness: DAOU Mountain in the Adelaida District of Paso Robles. Here, their vision is to make California “first growth” wine, fulfilling the district’s promise as the world’s next benchmark for Bordeaux varieties.
“We will stop at nothing less than producing the perfect Cabernet Sauvignon, in steadfast service to DAOU Mountain and its incomparable terroir. We view
our quest as a sacred trust, one that extends to all who step foot on the mountain, and to all who experience the luxuries of DAOU wines around the world.” — G E O RG ES J. DAO U, Proprietor
DAOUVINEYARDS.COM
REGION: ADELAIDA DISTRICT AVA
DAOU MOUNTAIN
MORE THAN 40 YEARS AGO, legendary winemaking authority
2,200 feet above sea level, rising from the heart of the Adelaida
André Tchelistcheff stood on the slopes of what would become
District. It is a terroir of power, purity and symmetry, with
known as DAOU Mountain, speaking of great things to come from
every natural asset necessary to pursue the perfect Cabernet
the surrounding Adelaida area in the rugged coastal range west of Paso
Sauvignon—including calcareous clay soils that evoke
Robles on California’s Central Coast. That moment has now arrived, as
Bordeaux’s Right Bank and a climate that closely corresponds
the Adelaida District—one of 11 sub-appellations of Paso Robles—is
to St. Helena. The wines are never acidified, as the optimal
today regarded as the next frontier for world-class Cabernet Sauvignon.
level of acidity is achieved organically. Additionally, the
DAOU MOUNTAIN STANDS ALONE at an elevation of
phenolics produced on the mountain are uniquely high, yielding wines of prodigious color, texture and structure. Slopes ranging from 28% to 56% in grade Predominantly calcareous clay soils 14 miles from the Pacific Ocean, facing the marine air channel of Templeton Gap High density planting ranging from 2,234 to 3,630 vines per acre Planted to Bordeaux varieties, predominantly Cabernet Sauvignon Top Cabernet Sauvignon clones, including California heritage clones
VITICULTURE & WINEMAKING THE WINEMAKING VISION OF DAOU is to seek absolute purity—in the flavors of the wines, and in how those flavors portray a true reflection of the land. Winemaker Daniel Daou is relentless in his pursuit of this ideal, implementing an array of proprietary techniques and technologies to create one of the most rigorously innovative winemaking programs in the world. DAOU subscribes to true dry farming where possible,
Daniel Daou employs cutting-edge technologies for
and deficit irrigation when needed—an approach
testing wine phenolics during fermentation, enabling
that maximizes fruit intensity while conserving a
him to precisely meet his vision for each wine’s color,
precious resource.
mouthfeel and tannin profile.
Daniel Daou collects intensive daily data—through
Daniel Daou supervises the coopering of his own
both manual field measurement and wireless sensor
proprietary French oak barrels. The DAOU 5-Year is
technology—to cultivate an optimal vine growth ratio
made from a rare fine-grain pink oak known as bois
during the crucial early days of the growing season.
rosé, which imparts an array of complex yet subtle flavors
DAOU Estate wines are made with the proprietary “D20”
to the DAOU Soul of a Lion. The DAOU Hybrid is
yeast cultured from DAOU Mountain, which is prized for
composed of oak from the Tronçais and Jupille forests,
its remarkable ability to maintain acidity; extract color;
and is designed specifically for maturing the DAOU
amplify flavor and texture; and produce lower alcohols.
Estate Cabernet Sauvignon.
“We have challenged ourselves to produce wines that will rival the greatest. There is no
question that we have the terroir. Success will come through reverence for this land—the idea
that we are not ‘making’ something from it, but rather mirroring all that is already there.” — DA N I EL J. DAO U, Proprietor / Winemaker
ESTATE COLLECTION
RECENT ACCOLADES
DAOU ESTATE COLLECTION wines are
WINE ENTHUSIAST
made from the finest vineyard blocks on DAOU
96 points 2013 Estate Soul of a Lion 94 points 2013 Estate Mayote 94 points 2014 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 92 points 2015 Reserve Chardonnay
Mountain. These wines showcase the visionary talent of Daniel Daou as a winemaker, and embody our mission to produce California “first growth” Cabernet Sauvignon.
WINE SPECTATOR 93 points 2014 Estate Soul of a Lion 90 points 2013 Estate Soul of a Lion 93 points 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon 90 points 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon
RESERVE COLLECTION
JEB DUNNUCK
DAOU RESERVE COLLECTION wines are made from premium fruit sourced from DAOU Mountain as well as select Paso Robles AVA vineyards, then blended to create stunningly harmonious offerings.
PASO ROBLES COLLECTION
95-97 points 2016 Estate Soul of a Lion 94-96 points 2015 Estate Soul of a Lion 97 points 2014 Estate Soul of a Lion 94-96 points 2016 Estate Mayote 93-95 points 2015 Estate Mayote 91-93 points 2016 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 91+ points 2015 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 91 points 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon 90 points 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon 90 points 2016 Pessimist 90 points 2015 Pessimist
DAOU PASO ROBLES COLLECTION wines
ROBERT PARKER’S WINE ADVOCATE
are hand-harvested from standout local vineyards
95-97 points 2016 Estate Soul of a Lion
and made using the same techniques and standards as our DAOU Reserve and DAOU Estate collections.
94-96 points 2016 Estate Soul of a Lion 94+ points 2015 Estate Soul of a Lion 95 points 2014 Estate Soul of a Lion 94-96 points 2017 Estate Mayote 93-95 points 2016 Estate Mayote 94 points 2015 Estate Mayote
by
PESSIMIST is a wine made to rattle the status quo and deliver unprecedented quality in the world of approachable blends. Its aura is youthful, but its appeal is universal. It is sourced from some of Paso Robles’ finest vineyards and crafted according to the renowned standards of the DAOU winemaking program.
97 points 2014 Estate Mayote 92-94 points 2017 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 91-93 points 2016 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 91 points 2015 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 93 points 2014 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 90 points 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon 92 points 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon 92 points 2016 Pessimist 90 points 2015 Pessimist 90 points 2014 Pessimist
things you didn’t know about OVER 200 SCORES OF 90+ POINTS Highly-acclaimed critics continue to support DAOU wines over the last decade ABOVE THE CLOUDS Our Estate stands at an elevation of 2,200 feet sharing similar soil to Bordeaux’s Right Bank and climate like St. Helena in Napa FAMILY OWNED & OPERATED Brothers Georges & Daniel founded the Estate and are fully involved along with the second generation of the Daou family CABERNET SAUVIGNON RANKED #4 DAOU Cabernet Sauvignon is the #4 ranked Cabernet Sauvignon nationally for the $20-$24.99 category PESSIMIST RANKED #3 Pessimist is the #3 ranked red blend nationally for the $15-$19.99 category “RIVALS SOME OF THE BEST FROM NAPA” —JAMES LAUBE Patrimony & Soul of a Lion stand up to the best wines in the world each vintage FORSEEN GREATNESS Our terroir was named a “jewel of ecological elements” by Father of American Winemaking, André Tchelistcheff CHANGEMAKERS FOR THE PASO ROBLES REGION Owners Georges & Daniel Daou have put Paso Robles on the map for Cabernet Sauvignon and Bordeaux varieties including founding the Paso Robles Cabernet Collective AMERICAN WINERY OF THE YEAR NOMINEE One of five nominees for Wine Enthusiast’s American Winery of the Year in 2018
Numbers Don't Lie Same Critic. Same Vintage. Different Price.
DAOU consistently stands toe to toe with the best of Napa once again with the 2015 vintage
93 points 93 points 93 points 93 points 92 points 92 points 92 points 91 points 91 points 91 points 91 points 91 points 90 points 89 points 88 points
$125 $225 $340 $1050 $120 $170 $250 $175 $175 $225 $275 $350 $155 $170 $250
DAOU | Estate Soul of a Lion Schrader Opus One Screaming Eagle Paul Hobbs Beringer | Private Reserve Continuum Quintessa Robert Mondavi | The Reserve, To Kalon Diamond Creek Joseph Phelps | Insignia Hall | Diamond Mountain District Tor Far Niente Heitz Martha’s Vineyard
D A O U V I N E YA R D S. C O M
DAOU Vineyards & Winery Welcomes Master Sommelier Frederick L. Dame as Global Wine Ambassador Stacy Briscoe | August 22, 2018 DAOU Vineyards & Winery has announced that Master Sommelier Frederick L. Dame is joining the family-owned company as Global Wine Ambassador. One of the most renowned and revered sommeliers in the world, Dame will work with founders Georges Daou and Daniel Daou to continue transforming the Adelaida District of Paso Robles into the global wine industry’s next frontier for producing the finest Bordeaux varieties while enhancing awareness of DAOU’s spectrum of exceptional wines. Founded on the premise that great wine should be accessible and shared with the world, DAOU Mountain is home to some of the most sought-after wines that receive the highest ratings possible from all major critics. What was once a lone, undiscovered mountain in the Adelaida District of Paso Robles is now a breathtaking estate built on Georges and Daniel’s eternal commitment to their people, their wine and the beautiful environment that continues to make their dream a reality. The addition of Dame will further the brother’s undying commitment to DAOU Mountain and the region itself. Dame, the first American to serve as President of the Court of Master Sommeliers Worldwide and to complete the Master Sommelier Examination in one year, is one of the wine and restaurant industry’s most acclaimed advisors. His decision to join DAOU, an award-winning winery established on DAOU Mountain in 2007, was driven by the opportunity to help blaze a trail in an emerging wine region with a distinctive terroir, a vineyard land and a family-focused approach. “I couldn’t think of a better final chapter of my career than the opportunity to work alongside the Daou brothers,” said Fred. “Georges and Daniel have a passionate commitment to excellence that sets them apart and it has been demonstrated year over year with the purity and ascent of their wines – from Estate to Reserves. When you combine the Daou brothers’ extraordinary vision and culture with the ideal conditions and developing potential of the Mountain, you can imagine my delight in becoming part of this extraordinary winery and its quest to produce the ultimate wines in terms of grace, structure and complexity.”
Dame is the founder of the American Branch of the Court of Master Sommeliers and the former Vice President of Prestige Accounts for American Wine & Spirits of California. A graduate of Washington & Lee University, he is widely recognized as an educator and storyteller, and holds honorary professorships at Purdue University and The University of South Carolina. Additionally, Dame is an inductee of the American Academy of Chefs Hall of Fame, is an active member of the Confrerie de la Chaine des Rotisseurs and is Chairman of the Board of GuildSomm.com. A sixth-generation Californian, Dame’s interest in fine wine was ignited during a high school trip to Europe. He has been pursuing his passion ever since. One of only 250 individuals worldwide to have passed the Master Sommelier Examination, he won the coveted Krug Cup of the British Guild of Sommeliers in 1984. “Wine is a story, not a product,” Georges said. “And with the addition of Fred, the DAOU dream will be shared and celebrated within the industry and beyond. As a world-renowned teacher and master sommelier, we are fortunate Fred chose our collaborative community as his swansong. Since the beginning, our desire has been to create high-end wines that open doors to opportunity, and we are both humbled and thrilled for Fred to join our team and continue sharing the DAOU experience.” Born in Lebanon, Georges and Daniel Daou were forced to flee with their family to France at the start of the Lebanese Civil War. There, they developed a love for the vineyards that recalled their grandfather’s ancient olive groves. As college students, they emigrated to California to study engineering at the University of California San Diego, and, after successful careers in the tech industry, eventually returned to their passion: wine and its elements. Captivated by the Adelaida District’s unrivalled growing conditions for producing Cabernet Sauvignon, the brothers discovered what is now DAOU Mountain, or otherwise heralded as the “jewel of ecological elements” by Father of American Winemaking Andre Tchelistcheff. 14 miles from the ocean at 2,200 feet above sea level, DAOU Mountain is home to an unparalleled terroir built on a family legacy and an extreme passion for ever-evolving quality. “From the beginning, it has been our goal to express the passion we have for our terroir through the wines we craft,” Daniel said. “This passion continues today and will be communicated even further with the addition of Fred Dame to our team.” HTTP://WWW.SOMMJOURNAL.COM/STORIES/INDUSTRY-NEWS/2018/DAOUVINEYARDS-WINERY-WELCOMES-MASTER-SOMMELIER-.ASPX#.W4HS5JNKJUI
The Judgment of Paso
96pts $125
The Tasting
93pts $85
100pts $354
99pts $550
95+pts $200
98pts $600
95+pts $300
Dominus
Schrader Cabernet Sauvignon RBS
Schrader Cabernet Sauvignon CCS
Chappellet Prtichard Hill
Scarecrow
Hundred Acre
DAOU Soul of a Lion
Patrimony
98pts $275
DAOU Cabernet Sauvignon
Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate affirmed a new era for the Adelaida District of Paso Robles.
95+pts $200
In a blind tasting, renowned Wine Advocate critic Jeb Dunnuck pitted five of Napa’s most iconic wineries against outsider DAOU Vineyards & Winery from the Adelaida District.
The Wines
Six Napa cult Cabernets were tasted—all rated 95+ or more with three in the 98 to 100 range—along with three DAOU wines: Patrimony, Soul of a Lion and Estate Cabernet Sauvignon.
The Results
The DAOU wines stood tall on rarified ground. Dunnuck wrote, “I’m thrilled to report that all three DAOU wines showed beautifully…In short, these are beautiful wines that readers shouldn’t miss.” Of
DAOU’s 2013 Patrimony, Dunnuck declared, “It’s the finest 100% Cabernet Sauvignon I've tasted from Paso Robles and it will stand toe-to-toe with the best coming out of Napa.”
“This was a massive tasting with brothers Daniel and Georges Daou, who have a large estate located high up off of Adelaida Road. While they release a terrific Syrah blend, their focus is on Bordeaux varieties...they
make the finest Bordeaux blends from Paso Robles. To give some perspective on how good these wines are, I did a blind tasting of top 2012s and 2013s from Napa with three wines from Daou, their Patrimony, Soul of
a Lion and Estate Cabernet. I’m thrilled to report that all three Daou wines showed beautifully. My scores/ ranking from the blind tasting were 2012 Hundred Acres (100 points), 2013 Scarecrow (99 points), 2013 Daou Patrimony (98 points), 2012 Schrader CCS (98 points), 2013 Daou Soul Of A Lion (96 points), 2012
Dominus (95+ points), 2012 Schrader RBS (95+ points), 2012 Chappellet Pritchard Hill (95+ points), 2013
Daou Estate Cabernet (93 points). In short, these are beautiful wines that readers shouldn’t miss.”
– Jeb Dunnuck, Wine Advocate
“These ratings signal a new benchmark for Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon, and they are ultimately a shot across the bow.”” — G E O RG ES J. DAO U, Proprietor
“The Adelaida District is no longer a proving ground - it is now a proven contender for the finest Cabernets in Califonia.” — DA N I EL J. DAO U, Co-Proprietor /Winemaker
DAOU VINEYARDS AND WINERY: An American Dream Julie L. Kessler | August 20, 2018 There are few stories that embody the American Dream as much as that of the DAOU brothers, Georges and Daniel, owners of DAOU Vineyard & Winery. Located in Paso Robles, in the breathtaking Adelaida District, 10 minutes from downtown, DAOU’s dining terrace, European inspired furnishings and impeccable grounds have expansive views overlooking what is easily, California’s most gorgeous vineyard. PEOPLE OF PASSION As young children, Lebanese-born brothers Georges and Daniel left during Lebanon’s traumatic civil war and grew up with their family in France. Attending University of California, San Diego, Georges studied mathematics and Daniel became an engineer. One business success after another followed with the DAOU brothers ultimately selling a public company they created that provided hospital services which catapulted them to another financial realm granting them a new level of prosperity and freedom. More business successes ensued. Was there anything the DAOU brothers could touch that wouldn’t turn to gold? Then in 2007 they bought what is now known as DAOU Mountain in Paso. Since then DAOU Vineyards have produced remarkable wines winning the highest accolades from major critics and they have created a magical tasting environment that pays homage to the terroir the brothers so clearly love. In addition to great wines, an utterly enchanting setting and delicious food, what sets DAOU apart is quite simply, passion. Passion for their families, their employees, their friends, their community, the terroir they cultivate and of course, the fantastic wines they produce. In early August, Master Sommelier Frederick L. Dame joined DAOU as its Global Wine Ambassador. One of the world’s most revered sommeliers, Dame’s expertise, dedication and devotion to great wines will propel DAOU to even greater heights. Without doubt, this coupling of DAOU and Dame will make oenophilic marital bliss. On any given day, visitors to the DAOU Vineyard can enjoy wine tastings, culinary pleasures with divine pairing experiences during regular hours, or attend one of the special events that DAOU hosts, such as the after-hours Sunset Series with live music and featured wines. DAOU’S ANNUAL GALA In addition to other remarkable events hosted in Paso and around the world by the brothers, for the past five years DAOU has hosted a themed Annual Gala at the Vineyard. This year’s theme was “Studio 54” following the concept of the famed, former legendary New York City nightclub of the same name. And what a Gala it was. With 300 costumed guests and 185 staff and performers providing all manner of disco fever entertainment, there were talented musicians and highly skilled professional dancers. Also present, a few incredible add-ons such as a giraffe, pink pelicans, a white horse with the requisite beauty riding atop, aerial ring contortionists, and for those in need of channeling their inner toddler, a multi-colored rubber ball pit. It was a certainly a night to remember, all of which was planned, created and executed by the DAOU team led by wunderkind planner Christina Rivera-Glenn.
The Uber talented Estate Chef Cody Thomasson oversaw the continuous supply of delectable hors d’oeuvres and the elegant four-course dinner that commenced with poached lobster tail with micro cilantro and parsley lemon puree, followed with a braised short rib so tender, that a knife was mere table decoration. The cremini mushroom risotto made me nearly weep with delight, and in typical French fashion, this portion of the meal ended with a marvelous cheese plate. Then came the desserts, or rather, the artistically displayed, almost-too-pretty-to-eat tables of anything a high-octane sugar addict could need, imagine or desire: from gourmet cupcakes to chocolate dobash lollipops to everything in between. This of course provided the requisite additional fuel for the fun night ahead of dancing under the stars. DAOU AND ROLLS-ROYCE – A PERFECT UNION Like last year’s DAOU Annual Gala – themed James Bond – this year’s Gala was also partnered with Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. So on hand near the Gala’s red carpet entryway were several 2018 Rolls-Royce models of the Phantom, Wraith, Dawn and Ghost. For SUV aficionados desiring wheels as magnificent as the 3,100-carat diamond from which its name hails, the breathtaking Rolls-Royce Cullinan also made a luxurious debut. This automotive beauty is the brand’s first all-terrain, all-wheel drive machine and for adventurous types seeking luxury, is truly a sight to behold. Possessing many of the same lavish accouterments as other Rolls-Royce models, such as lambs wool foot mats and massage seating, the Cullinan is even more extraordinary with its partition glass allowing for a separate passenger seating. Then there is the designer contrasting trimmed leather seating that seems more regal than ought to be legal. Perhaps most impressive is its rear ‘Viewing Suite.’ Simply press a button and voilà, two leather seats magically appear in the rear with the requisite cocktail table – perfect for a bottle or two or three of DAOU wines. The wide-open, unobstructed and expansive views will make you dream of sporting one in the Serengeti, cutting loose in the Kalahari or simply puttering in pretty Paso. THE JEWEL OF ECOLOGICAL ELEMENTS In a corresponding great American dream story, André Tchelistcheff was the son of the Russian Supreme Court Chief Justice before the Russian Revolution. André ultimately fled to France then arrived in the US in 1938. Pioneering modern viticulture, André became known as the “Dean of American Winemaking“ and the “Winemaker’s Winemaker.” He once heralded the Adelaida District – of which DAOU Mountain is a part – calling it the “[j]ewel of ecological elements.” Not surprising then that the DAOU brothers became enamored by the unparalleled growing conditions of Paso’s Adelaida District. Just 14 miles from the Pacific Ocean and 2,200 feet above sea level, DAOU Mountain is a microclimatic marvel. Stretching 212 acres – with 120 under vine – DAOU is planted predominantly with Cabernet Sauvignon and Bordeaux varietals. In discussing wine, contemplating oenological nuances or altering viticulture technology, winemakers who knew André often asked, “What would André have done?” If André were still alive, I am quite certain he would have come to DAOU Mountain and been thrilled at what the DAOU brothers have created and the remarkable, award-winning wines they have been so successful at producing. Mesmerized by the views while sitting with a glass or bottle of one of DAOU Estate or Reserve wines, especially the 2015 Estate Soul of a Lion – 76% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Cabernet Franc and 11% Petit Verdot, given 93 by Wine Spectator – it becomes clear that something special and unique was created on DAOU Mountain. The DAOU brothers’ distinctly evident passion and courageous, heartfelt vision matched with the magic of DAOU Mountain is a great and inspiring, truly American story of an American dream realized. MONEYINC.COM/DAOU-VINEYARDS-AND-WINERY-AN-AMERICAN-DREAM/
The new frontier for world-class Cabernet Sauvignon. Adelaida District, Paso Robles
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