Nose

The intensely fragrant 2020 DAOU Reserve Chardonnay offers enticing aromas of Asian pear, honeysuckle, Granny Smith apple, smoky oak and warm buttered toast. Hints of pineapple, vanilla cream, hazelnut and ginger round out the luscious nose.

Palate

A voluptuous, succulent palate displays flavors of lemon meringue pie, pineapple, toasted almonds, and honeydew melon. Subtle notes of nutmeg, baked spiced apples and nectarine unfold along a rich, silky texture. This fleshy, weighty Chardonnay ultimately finishes long and clean, with delightfully lingering flavors of lemon chiffon, tangerine and vanilla bean.

Growing Conditions

DAOU Reserve wines come from DAOU Mountain as well as
superior vineyards in select Paso Robles AVAs. Winemaker Daniel Daou personally oversees these vineyards, enabling him to consistently produce reserve-caliber wines of character and elegance. 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.

Aging

11 months in 50% new French oak