Deep ruby color; black cherry, plum, black olive, toasted oak, lavender, on the nose; black cherry, blueberry, plum, blackcurrant, cranberry, raspberry, chocolate, coffee, oak spices on the palate.
Dry; wonderfully full, smooth, rich, complex on the palate. Ripe, polished tannins with reserved acidity. Balanced. Intense fruit flavors that nicely linger. Skillful use of oak complements 100% merlot—20 months in 50% new oak. Assertive, deft oak programs are a signature of Daou wines. This new, special project from winemaker Daniel Daou performs very well. 14.7% ABV
Daou is an inspiring life story that underscores how enterprising immigrants are the soul and engine of America’s success. The saga begins in Lebanon in 1956 when Joseph and Marie Dauo married after a whirlwind romance. At that time, Beirut was considered the “Paris of the Middle East.” Joseph built his carpentry business into one of the region’s most successful furnishing companies.
Then, in 1973, came Lebanon’s civil war. Daou family members were injured and spent two years recovering. As the war intensified, the family moved to France in 1975, settling in Cannes in the heart of Provence. Two Daou brothers, Georges and Daniel, fell in love with the region and its wine life. In the 1980s, they immigrated to California to pursue the American dream. They enrolled at UC–San Diego and studied electrical and computer engineering, then built a company—DAOU Systems—that revolutionized hospital computer systems worldwide.
In 1998, the brothers took DAOU Systems public. Daniel had been making wine in his garage in rural San Diego for years. With the sale of DAOU Systems, they had the resources to start a winery. They found land on a “mountain” in Paso Robles—at 2,200 feet, the highest elevation in the AVA. It was just 14 miles from the Pacific Ocean, with cool, ocean winds blowing through the Templeton Gap. Daniel shared his vision with his father. Joseph replied: “Go and don’t look back. Go full throttle.”
And so they did. Dauo creates exceptional wines and is an exceptional enterprise. Beautiful location. Sensitive and inclusive to the talents and needs of their employees and to their Dauo Mountain estate. They claim, with some authority, that Paso Robles is a blend of Bordeaux and Napa, and their wines and winery bear out that vision.
Daou Vineyards Sequentis Reserve Merlot, Paso Robles 2019 is smooth, delicious, easy drinker. All you ask for in a quality merlot. Another Daou winning effort. Demonstrates how Paso Robles can compete with superb vineyards and wineries in California and the world. Pair with quality beef cuts; lamb; veal; chicken. Can easily be enjoyed on its own or with light snacks, especially including olives, charcuteries; medium cheese. Cheese—versatile; parmesan, muenster, brie, colby, gorgonzola, gouda. $52-60
Daou Vineyards website; many superb videos, worth a visit
