2019 Daou Soul of a Lion
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Tasting notes
Ferrous and dark-fruited on the nose. Oak makes itself felt on the nose, with loads of sweet spice. Chewy and substantial and almost austere on the finish, thanks to a strong leathery note. Long but primary – will be worth keeping. (RH)
Critic scores
Richard Hemming MW, jancisrobinson.com
James Suckling
More reviews and scores
Inky depths to the damson colour, this immediately sets the pace with fresh mint aromatics, and nuanced cassis, rosemary, sage, cocoa beans, grilled cedar and crushed rock. This is a rockstar Cabernet that will impress anyone and doesn't knock you out, even with the high alcohols. Plush, smooth, well integrated, broad shouldered. I keep waiting for it to overpower, but it takes the foot off the pedal at just the right moment. Easy to recommend. 100% new oak.
A full-bodied cabernet sauvignon with firmness and length. Very polished tannins. Chewy and solid. Very curated and thoughtful quality to the tannins. Sandalwood and blackberry on the finish, which remains elegant, despite the strength. Try after 2025 and onwards.
The 2019 Soul Of A Lion is a blend of free-run Cabernet Sauvignon (77%), Cabernet Franc (14%), and Petit Verdot (9%), aged 22 months in 100% new French oak. Opaque ruby in color, it offers aromatic contrast between dark, savory cherry fruit, chargrill and graphite, and top notes of green pepper and rose petals. The palate explodes with detailed flavors and its tannins are already resolved and chocolaty, with seamless acidity and exotic spicy layers emerging on the extended finish. Wow!