Named in honor of Georges and Daniel Daou’s father, Joseph, Soul of a Lion has established DAOU Mountain in the Adelaida District of Paso Robles as a premier Cabernet Sauvignon estate
April 12, 2023 (Paso Robles, CA) – Brothers and co-proprietors Georges and Daniel Daou of DAOU Family Estates are proud to announce the 10th-anniversary release of their flagship Cabernet Sauvignon: 2020 Soul of a Lion. Since its debut in 2010, Soul of a Lion has received critical acclaim from wine critics and enthusiasts alike to establish DAOU Mountain in the Adelaida District of Paso Robles as one of the world’s leading estates for Cabernet Sauvignon. The April release date of Soul of a Lion coincides with the birthday and profound legacy of Joseph Daou, an inspiration for the Daou family.
“Soul of a Lion represents the journey that first brought our family to DAOU Mountain,” said Georges Daou, Co-Proprietor of DAOU Family Estates. “Our father endowed us with the passion, courage, and perseverance to pursue our dreams, qualities which we honor each year with this exceptional wine. We’re proud to celebrate our 10th anniversary of Soul of a Lion in the spirit of joy that has made this such a triumph for our family.”
“Our goal for Soul of a Lion has always been to realize the amazing potential of DAOU Mountain to craft the very best Cabernet Sauvignon,” said Winemaker and Proprietor Daniel Daou. “2020 Soul of a Lion captures the essence of the Adelaida District and is an exceptional tribute to our 10-year journey with this wine.” The 2020 vintage showcases the elegance and power that have made Soul of a Lion a benchmark for excellence. Daou crafts the wine from a meticulous parcel selection from DAOU Mountain, planted at an elevation of 2,200 feet on a 212-acre mountaintop, characterized by the ideal soils, microclimate, and elevation for Cabernet Sauvignon and Bordeaux varietals. With its deep ruby color and complex aromas of blackberry, cassis, and graphite, Soul of a Lion delivers a rich and balanced palate of dark fruit, velvety tannins, and a long, satisfying finish.
2020 ESTATE SOUL OF A LION
WINEMAKER TASTING NOTES (Cabernet Sauvignon 78%, Cabernet Franc 12%, Petit Verdot 10%): The 2020 vintage presents an alluring profusion of black cherry, mulberry, and Oregon blackberry aromas with notes of leather, cigar box, and dark chocolate. Hints of desert sage and crème de menthe accent the rich fruit. The palate is silky and voluptuous, delivering loads of currant, cassis, black raspberry, and ripe cherry. Notes of fig and baking spice are underscored by earthy tones of dates and truffle. Mature, ripe tannins yield a weighty, velvety texture integrated with a limestone minerality and subtle oak. A lengthy finish leaves lingering impressions of blackberry, plum, and espresso with a touch of white pepper. A wine of immense staying power that will evolve favorably for many years to come.” – Winemaker Daniel Daou
2020 VINTAGE NOTES (DAOU Mountain, Paso Robles AVA, Adelaida District): The 2020 growing season began on a dry note, followed by much-needed rains in April that replenished the soils and set the stage for healthy canopy growth. Conditions through mid-summer remained mild and steady, with the exception of a rare August thunderstorm. Subsequent heat waves and distant wildfires put DAOU Mountain to the test heading into harvest, yet despite the challenges, the 2020 vintage produced some of the most complex wines yet.
2020 Estate Soul of a Lion is available as of April 2023 at www.daouvineyards.com and through the DAOU+ app, with national distribution to phase in by June 2023. The suggested retail price is $150/per 750-ml bottle.
About DAOU Family Estates
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, DAOU was founded by brothers Georges and Daniel Daou in 2007 to develop the potential of Cabernet Sauvignon and other Bordeaux varieties in the region. The family estate at DAOU Mountain combines remarkable geology, favorable microclimate, and high elevation, once described by renowned California winemaker André Tchelistcheff as “a jewel of ecological elements.” As a steward of this beautiful terroir, winemaker Daniel Daou offers a quality-focused range of complex but accessible wines that are a pleasure to drink. For more information, please visit www.daouvineyards.com.
