DAOU Vineyards Soul of a Lion 2018 is a wine that showcases the exceptional quality of its cooler growing season in every aspect. Its dark purple-black hue is a preview of what is to come. Upon pouring, the wine releases intense aromas of lilac, violet and spice, which create a complex bouquet that further enhances its richness, elegance and balance. With a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot, this wine boasts an exquisite taste that is both profound and multifaceted.
On the palate, the Soul of a Lion 2018 is bursting with flavors of blueberry, boysenberry, plum, vanilla bean, and chocolate-covered cherry. The wine's exceptional minerality and perfectly integrated tannins create an impossibly long finish, which showcases both the power and finesse of its DAOU Mountain provenance. This wine is a true reflection of the exceptional quality of DAOU Vineyards' terroir and their winemaking philosophy, which focuses on minimal intervention and the expression of the vineyard's unique character.
DAOU Vineyards Soul of a Lion 2018 is an experience that every wine enthusiast should have. Its deep and complex bouquet, rich and balanced flavors, and a long finish that lingers on the palate, make this wine a perfect choice for special occasions or for anyone who seeks a truly exceptional wine. It is a testament to the unparalleled craftsmanship and dedication of DAOU Vineyards, who have created a wine that truly embodies the soul of the lion.
Critic Ratings
Robert Parker Wine Advocate Review - Rated 97:
The 2018 Soul Of A Lion is an incredible Cabernet Sauvignon, made exclusively from free-run juice, blended with 15% Cabernet Franc and 10% Petit Verdot and aged 22 months in 100% new French oak. Opaque ruby-purple in color, the nose opens slowly, segueing from graphite and tobacco leaves, to violets and blue fruit preserves, to cinnamon, potpourri and dark spices. The palate is seamless and cashmere-like, with expansive, pure, mineral-laced fruits enlivened by a burst of freshness that highlights the perfectly ripe fruit character this vintage. The finish is very long, offering violet perfume and iron tones that linger in the mouth. This is a gorgeous wine that combines unique personality with expert craftsmanship. It drinks well now but has all it needs for a long life in the cellar.
Jeb Dunnuck Review - Rated 95:
Based largely on Cabernet Sauvignon blended with small amounts of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, the 2018 Soul Of A Lion offers a brilliant array of cassis, tobacco leaf, graphite, lead pencil, and earth. With full-bodied richness on the palate, it offers ripe tannins, a round, layered, yet still focused texture, and a great finish. Tight, compact, and focused, it’s going to benefit from 3-4 years of bottle age and drink brilliantly over the following 15-20 years.
