Daou Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon

Daou Vineyards sources this Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon from estate parcels in the Paso Robles AVA, specifically from hillside blocks planted on limestone and calcareous soils at elevations between 1,200–1,400 feet. The site's diurnal temperature swing—cool Pacific maritime influence tempered by inland heat—extends ripening and builds phenolic maturity without over-extraction.

The fruit undergoes temperature-controlled fermentation in stainless steel, followed by 18 months in French oak (mix of new and neutral cooperage). This regime preserves varietal definition while introducing subtle wood spice and structural complexity. The wine is unfined and unfiltered, retaining natural sediment and textural depth.

Daou's limestone terroir signature emerges in the wine's mineral backbone—a saline, chalky undertone that anchors the dark berry core. The tannin structure is firm but integrated, reflecting both the site's naturally high-tannin clay subsoil and careful extraction discipline during fermentation.

Drinking window: 2024–2035. Peak expression arrives around 2027–2029 as secondary flavors develop.