2019 Daou Bodyguard

Preorder (Click here for price)

Winemaker Notes

The 2019 Bodyguard is the next masterwork by Winemaker Daniel Daou. This wine opens with a vibrant, fragrant nose of blueberry cobbler, cherry pipe tobacco, dark chocolate and espresso laced with hints of sandalwood, licorice and pencil lead. Underlying layers reveal notes of mulberry and truffle, all accented by suggestions of black currant, kirsch, bay leaf and vanilla. The palate is silky and graceful, unfolding with lavish flavors of cherry pie, plum, blackberry jam and raspberry—all converging seamlessly with earthy notes of cigar box, leather, black olive and crushed sage. Ripe, supple tannins provide structure, volume and a velvety mouthfeel, resulting in a powerful, elegant finish with suggestions of cherry, cranberry, plum and crushed stone. While approachable now, the 2019 Bodyguard is a wine that will reward patient cellaring for years to come.

DAOU Vineyards

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.