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+:
Made exclusively from free-run juice, this Cabernet-led blend unfolds from graphite and tobacco into violets, blue-fruit preserves, cinnamon and dark spice. Its seamless, cashmere-like palate combines pure mineral fruit with a burst of freshness and perfectly ripe character. Violet perfume and iron linger through an exceptionally long finish, giving it the structure for extended aging.
Wine Enthusiast Review - Rated 96:
Creamy black cherry is balanced by toasted herbs and roasted coffee bean on the nose. The dense palate has a firm, impressive structure and brings its savory elements together with blueberry and blackberry fruit. The result is powerful yet cohesive from start to finish.
Jeb Dunnuck Review - Rated 95:
Cassis, tobacco leaf, graphite, pencil lead and earth form a complex aromatic profile. The full-bodied palate is rich and layered, with ripe tannins and a focused shape that keeps its generosity controlled. Additional bottle age should deepen its balance and allow it to evolve over many years.
James Suckling Review - Rated 95:
Blackberry and lavender aromas lead into a full-bodied palate framed by tight, linear tannins. Ripe fruit is accented by pine needle and forest-floor undertones. This cooler, more refined expression has the structure to continue developing in the bottle.
