Growing Conditions

The 2018 vintage may go in history as the longest season yet. A good amount of rain fell on DAOU Mountain which gave to a later bud break in April. The vines were energized by the much-needed moisture, setting one of our best crops yet. The weather remained steady from spring through June when we received a long heat wave that fortunately did not affect the quality of the grapes due to the fact that it occured before the start of veraison. A cooling trend ensued for the rest of the season right after the heatwave prolonging the hanging time and the harvest to October. The result was our latest harvest ever on the mountain, reaching all the way into the third week of October. The long hang time yielded deep color and concentration with dense wines. The tannins are silky and beautifully integrated. As a result the 2018 vintage was an exceptional vintage that gave way to powerful and balanced wines.

Winemaking

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, our remarkable geology, favorable microclimate, and high elevation were once described by renowned California winemaker André Tchelistcheff as “a jewel of ecological elements.” As stewards of this beautiful terroir, DAOU’s goal is to make unique fine wines that honestly and accurately reflect the potential of the Estate and to craft Bordeaux style wines that combine Old World tradition with New World techniques.

Aging

22 months in 100% new French oak