2019 Daou Santa Barbara Pinot Noir

91 Pts Wine Enthusiast

Vintage: 2019

Region: Paso Robles

Country: USA

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.

Winemaker Notes

The 2020 Pinot Noir from Santa Barbara County offers an attractive nose of wild raspberries, succulent red cherries and pomegranate. Notes of sandalwood and baking spice mingle with suggestions of mushroom, African violets, new leather and toasty oak. Rounding out this elegant bouquet are hints of damp pine forest floor, rosehip tea and dark chocolate. On the palate, an astonishing purity of fruit flavor erupts with ripe cherry, cranberry, boysenberry and rhubarb, with trailing nuances of freshly sliced strawberries. Earthy truffle and pencil-lead minerality provide the foundation and balance for this exquisite wine, supporting a lengthy finish of plum, kirsch and pine needle.