Daou Vineyards & Winery- Incredible Views & Fantastic Wine!

Daou Mountain!  Just as the title states - incredible views and fantastic wine.    I had a great experience learning about the Daou wines, the story, the property and I look forward to going back to visit as construction on the winery and tasting room progresses.   

Below I have included my tasting notes from my visit to Daou.  

Cheers!

The Bell that will eventually hang in the bell tower at the newly constructed Daou Winery.

The Bell Tower.

Sit back, put your feet up and relax while taking in the view at Daou Vineyards & Winery!

2010 Rosé (40% Syrah, 30% Pinot Noir, 30% Zinfandel)  
A light peach color with a slight pink rim.  Aromas of rose petal, peach and melon.  A dry rosé with peach and rose petals on the palate.

2009 Viognier  (100% Viognier)
Pale straw with honeysuckle aromas.   Soft and creamy mouthfeel, with jasmine and honey on the palate.  Really enjoyed this Viognier.


2008 Petite Sirah (95% Petite Sirah, 5% Viognier)
Bright and stunning ruby, magenta color!   Intoxicating aromas of black cherry, chocolate, caramel and cream.   Dry wine with rich flavors of chocolate covered cherries and big chewy tannins.

2007 Cabernet Sauvignon (82% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Merlot, 6% Petite Verdot)
If you are in the market to buy a magnum - you're in luck!   They only have this wine available in magnums!
Concentrated garnet colored wine with bright ruby rim.   Currant, blackberry and cocoa on the nose.  Bold spice and blackberry on the palate.

2009 Micho (56% Cabernet Sauvignon, 44% Merlot)
This wine is a special release for wine club members!  We got to taste it though!  Yay!
Dark ruby color with purple and slight blue hue with ruby and light pink rim.   Caramel, blackberry and tomato vine aromas.   Very rich and concentrated blackberry and spice on palate combined with firm tannins.

2007 Celestus (60% Syrah, 35% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Petite Verdot)
Dark garnet with ruby rim.   Cherry and blueberry on the nose.   Anise, blackberry, blueberry, spice and and hint of tobacco on the palate.   This wine is nicely balanced with soft fruit flavors combined with defined tannins and approachable acidity.

2008 Merlot (78% Merlot, 22% Cabernet Sauvignon)
Garnet colored wine with a light ruby rim.  Blackberry and cherry aromas.  Palate is rich with concentrated dark fruits and berries.

2008 Old Vine Zinfandel, Lodi (100% Zinfandel)
Concentrated garnet color.  Warm earth, and berry cobbler scents.  Surprisingly dry wine - the nose led me to believe this would be closer to a dessert wine.   Brown sugar and bosenberry flavors with subtle tannins.

2009 Paso Robles Zinfandel (100% Zinfandel)  West Side
Garnet colored wine.  Molasses and brown sugar on the palate.  Berry and baking spice on the palate.

Quick Facts about Daou:

• First vintage is 2006
• No stainless steel - All wines are barrel aged for 15-19 months in neutral to brand new French oak.
• Daou means "Light" in Lebanese - (It is the family name of the owners.)
• At 2200 feet, Daou is the highest elevation winery in San Luis Obispo county
• Daou specializes in Bordeaux varietals