2019 Daou Vineyards Patrimony Caves des Lions, Adelaida District, USA (750ml) RNDC

WINEMAKER NOTES:

A marriage of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, one cannot but be taken by the uber-dark color of this wine. Yet when the first sip is taken, an unexpected profile emerges from the glass with elegance and freshness accompanied by a wealth of minerality. The nose explodes with aromas of cassis, cured meats, coffee, licorice, dark chocolate, and spice. Full-bodied, this flawlessly balanced wine will keep you thinking for a long time while the finish does not stop. 

Blend: 52% Cabernet Sauvignon, 48% Cabernet Franc

TASTING NOTES:

The 2019 Caves des Lions is a barrel sample of 53% Cabernet Sauvignon and 47% Cabernet Franc, made from free-run juice and set to age about 22 months in 100% new French oak. Opaque ruby in color, it offers explosive cassis and purple flowers on the nose, with streaks of stony and green pepper character. The palate offers loads of perfume and exotic spice, with a chocolaty texture, seamless acidity and incredible length.

– Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate, 99 pts.

More cassis, crushed stone, graphite, and chocolate emerge from the 2019 Caves Des Lions, and it’s beautifully textured, with full-bodied richness, building yet ripe, polished tannins, a gorgeous mid-palate, and one heck of a great finish. For all its richness and depth, it stays lively, fresh, and weightless, and it’s a beautiful wine.

– Jeb Dunnuck, 98 pts.

Deep and fragrant nose with a lift of currant leaf freshness to the cassis, nori, Spanish chocolate, roasted jalapeño pepper, sumptuous blackberries and some cigar box. Full-bodied and compact on the palate with firm but ultra-fine tannins here that are powerful but not grippy. Long and juicy. 52% cabernet sauvignon and 48% cabernet franc.

– James Suckling, 97 pts.