“It’s Official: Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon Rivals the World’s Best” writes Wine Business Online!

Here’s the proof - a heavyweight Cab contender that can take “wine of the night” at your next gathering. Once again it brings a cadre of scores - 97 from Wine Enthusiast, 96 from Vinous, and a pair of 95s from Wine Advocate and Decanter so far. Simply outstanding in every way and a mind-bending, crazy complex Cabernet for the collectors out there.

“Daniel Daou’s Bordeaux-variety-centric wines are among California’s most successful expressions of those grapes not just in Paso Robles, but in the New World” adds Antonio Galloni’s Vinous continuing “no expense has been spared by the Daou family in their pursuit to show that this region deserves to be mentioned in the same breath as Napa when it comes to Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and Petit Verdot. To my mind, they are succeeding, heartily, including the jaw-dropping Patrimony bottlings…”

Few wines can leave us so utterly speechless and jumble our minds as this one. It’s on another level, capable of taking WOTN against the likes of Schrader, Phelps, To Kalon Reserve, Realm, and just about any other cult pick you can muster up from here to Bordeaux or in between. With this wine, DAOU planted their flag in the dirt and roared, “WE STAND UP TO NAPA.” And this 97 rated lion ferociously lives up to their lofty vision.

Exactly what Vinous echoes, “These are profoundly colorful and powerful wines with an intense core of tannins and masses of rich fruit that nearly mask their hulking structures. For DAOU, phenolics are the primary measure of ripeness, as he strives for age-worthy and highly aromatic wines. No expense is spared, yet all resources are spent wisely at Daou, which truly shows in the wines. Napa, Bordeaux and Cabernet Sauvignon lovers should take note because, while far from inexpensive, these wines still offer tremendous relative value.”

This 10th-Anniversary special tribute to the patriarch Joseph Daou is one of their greatest ever. Which says a lot. If you like the Insignias, the Special Selections, and similarly built cult reds, you will LOVE this, we’re not lion - sorry couldn’t help.

Get it while you can.

97 Points – Wine Enthusiast

“Impressively dark in the glass, this bottling pairs intense purple fruit and flower on this nose with more roasted, umami-laden aromas. The elegant palate is a master class in tannin management, proving firm in structure yet soft in mouthfeel. Flavors of blackberry jam, cocoa, walnut and cracked pepper ride a lingering acidity into the finish.”

96 Points – Antonio Galloni’s Vinous

“The 2020 Soul of a Lion Estate is a deep, dark, nearly impenetrable ruby color. It has a beguiling bouquet that blends spicy dried flowers, cardamon and red currants. Sweet smoke hints add lift. This flows like pure silk without a single edge in sight. Guided by juicy acidity, textural waves of wild berry fruits soothe the palate. For all of its power and depth, the 2020 finishes remarkably fresh. It’s tannic, yet they are sweet and perfectly formed in a harmonious concentration that tugs at the senses yet never tires them out. The cellaring potential here is off the charts. Drink 2025-2038.”

94-96 Points – Jeb Dunnuck

“The 2020 Soul of a Lion is tighter and more backward than the 2019 (which was also tight and focused at this stage as well), offering lots of ripe black fruits, new leather, mineral, and iron nuances to go with a medium to full-bodied, concentrated, structured style on the palate. It’s unquestionably a beautiful, outstanding wine.”

95 Points – Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate

“The 2020 Soul of a Lion, made from free-run juice, is a blend of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Cabernet Franc and 7% Petit Verdot matured for 22 months in 100% new French oak. It has a deep ruby color and pure aromas of blackcurrants, tobacco, truffle, and thyme with touches of leather and graphite. The full-bodied palate has a pleasantly rustic texture and savory character, finishing with tobacco accents. Drink 2023-2028.”

95 Points – Decanter

“Full, voluptuous and complex wine which will only improve with age. The fruit is dominant now, but the tertiary notes are knocking on the door. Aromas of dark berries, blackberries and blackcurrants, confirmed on the palate alongside mocha, chocolate and black liquorice notes. Medium-plus to firm tannins that will continue to integrate with age. A lengthy finish. This wine has a long life ahead.”