DAOU CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2020, Paso Robles

92pts from Wine Advocate and 93pts from Wine Enthusiast. Created in 2007, Georges and Daniel Daou moved to California in the 1980's to study Electrical Engineering and Computer Engineering at UC San Diego. They created DAOU Systems, a networking technology company that would revolutionize hospital computer systems. Their desire to do this stemmed from their childhood in Beirut when in 1973 a missile that was fired beginning the Lebanese civil war struck the sidewalk in front of the family home. It sent shrapnel tearing through the house and took the family over 2 years to rebuild and recover from their serious injuries. Even though their father was a successful carpenter he and his wife chose to pack up the boys, their 2 daughters, and leave everything behind in 1975 as the Lebanese civil war worsened. They first immigrated to Paris and then down to Cannes where they were surrounded by vineyards with century old wine making techniques. This is where their love of wine grew. In 1989 they sold DAOU Systems and started making wine. Eventually they purchased the former Hoffman Mountain Ranch (a post-Prohibition winery) restoring it and then renaming it DAOU Mountain where they are farming and producing sustainably. Deep ruby hues lead into aromas of purple fruits and dried herbs. The palate is predominant in ripe dark fruits followed by tart red fruits that are rounded out by mocha and tobacco. Finishing long with chewy black fruits, espresso, and smokiness this is bold, intense, and assertive from nose to mouth. Well balanced and structured this powerful Cab can be enjoyed on its own or pair with hearty dishes, heavy dishes, and anything that's grilled, roasted, and smoked.