DAOU Estate "Soul of a Lion" Cabernet Sauvignon 2021
(Paso Robles, California) - [WE 97] [WA 96+] [JD 96+] [VM 95] [TWI 95] [DM 95] [JS 95]

About the Winery:
Family owned and operated, DAOU Family Estates is committed to producing collectible, world-class wines to rival the most respected appellations in the world. Situated on a 212-acre hilltop estate in the Adelaida District of Paso Robles, our remarkable geology, favorable microclimate, and high elevation were once described by renowned California winemaker André Tchelistcheff as “a jewel of ecological elements.” As stewards of this beautiful terroir, DAOU’s goal is to make unique fine wines that honestly and accurately reflect the potential of the Estate and to craft Bordeaux style wines that combine Old World tradition with New World techniques.

Blend: 82% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Cabernet Franc, and 6% Petit Verdot.

Ratings & Reviews

97 Points, Cellar Selection - Wine Enthusiast:
"Extremely dark in the glass, it starts with heavily spiced aromas of vanilla, mocha and walnut cream that balance the rich black cherry and roasted berry fruits. The palate's tannins are immensely grippy yet expertly polished, framing flavors of loam, black olive and graphite." - Matt Kettmann (Nov 2024)

96+ Points - Wine Advocate:
"The 2021 Soul Of A Lion is a blend of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Cabernet Franc and 7% Petit Verdot. It was matured for 22 months in 100% new French oak, bottled in August of 2023 and tasted in late September. It takes some time to unfold scents of blackcurrants, blueberries, green pepper, dried lavender and sage and continues to open as it spends time in the glass. The palate is stunning! It has ripe, detailed fruit, pixelated tannins and seamless acidity and finishes with fantastic length and perfume. It's an especially elegant example of this cuvée and should be very long lived." - Erin Brooks (Dec 2023)

96+ Points - Jeb Dunnuck:
"Deep purple-hued, with classic, old school Cabernet notes of crème de cassis, graphite, smoke tobacco, and lead pencil, the 2021 Soul Of A Lion is brilliant stuff. Based on 82% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Cabernet Franc, and 6% Petit Verdot, aged 22 months in 100% new French oak, it's medium to full-bodied and shows integrated oak, fabulous overall balance, and enough tannins and acidity to keep this drinking nicely over the coming two decades or more. Drink 2025-2045." (Aug 2025)

95 Points - Vinous Media:
"Dark as night, the 2021 Soul of a Lion takes its time opening in the glass as incense and sage give way to pencil lead, dried roses and black currants. This weighs on the palate with textures of pure velvet, seeming to envelop all that it touches in ripe red fruits as a pleasantly bitter balsamic tinge settles in, adding lovely contrast. It leaves a web of finely knit tannins that clench the senses with youthful poise, and yet somehow, the mouth continues to water. Hints of licorice and dark chocolate fade slowly. (Drink between 2027-2036)" - Eric Guido (Jul 2024)

95 Points - The Wine Independent:
"Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2021 Soul of a Lion reveals expressive blackberry preserves, crème de cassis, and clove oil scents, leading to touches of incense and Indian spices. Full-bodied, the palate is densely laden with rich black fruit flavors, supported by plush tannins and well-knit freshness, finishing long and spicy. The blend is 82% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Cabernet Franc, and 6% Petit Verdot, aged for 22 months in 100% new French oak." - LPB (Jan 2025)

95 Points - Decanter Magazine:
"Not yet released, this full, voluptuous and complex wine will only improve with age. The fruit is dominant now, but tertiary notes are emerging. Aromas of dark berries and blackcurrants are confirmed on the palate, plus mocha and black liquorice notes, medium tannins will continue to integrate with age. A complex, lengthy finish. A long life ahead, yet it will be ready to drink upon release. (Drink between 2023-2041)" - Brianne Cohen (Aug 2023)

95 Points - James Suckling:
"Perfumed and fruit-driven with elegant notes of blackberries, coffee beans and dried herbs. The palate is full-bodied with silky tannins and bright acidity, giving complex notes of blackcurrants, graphite, salt brine and cedar. Wonderfully balanced. Made from a blend of 82% cabernet sauvignon, 12% cabernet franc and 6% petit verdot. Drinkable now, but best from 2028." (Aug 2024)