2018 Daou Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve
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Tasting notes
The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve has a deep ruby-purple color and luscious crème de cassis, violet perfume, cast-iron pan and notes of dark, exotic spices. The medium-bodied palate is fresh, silken and lifted, its lively flavors and sweet new oak spices dancing on the extended finish. This was made with 100% free-run juice. It is blended with 20% Petit Verdot, 2% Merlot and 1% Cabernet Franc and was aged 18 months in 50% new French oak.
Critic scores
Average Score
Jancis Robinson MW
Jeb Dunnuck
More reviews and scores
Deep, shimmering ruby. Red and black currant, smoky oak and a hint of vanilla on the highly perfumed nose. Stains the palate with pliant cassis, bitter cherry, mocha and floral pastille flavors, while spice and mineral nuances lend back-end cut. Fleshy and deep but surprisingly lively as well, with well-knit tannins framing a finish that displays excellent focus and strong, fruity persistence. 50% new French oak.
See comments about the Daou, Soul of a Lion 2017 red blend for background. Very warm, sweet, balsam-scented nose and sweet palate with a slight dryness on the finish. Hint of cinnamon on the nose and a very flattering front palate that doesn't quite follow through to the finish. Not that appetising though it's heady with ripe berry flavours. (JR)
A mix of estate and purchased grapes brought up in 50% new French oak, the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve has a pretty bouquet of spiced black fruits, spring flowers, graphite, and lead pencil notes. It has a wonderful elegance as well as full-bodied richness, no hard edges, and a great finish. It will stand up to any Cabernet at this price in California.