DAOU Soul of a Lion 2020

Professional Ratings

• 97 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 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.
  Range: 94-96
• 95 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.
• 95 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.
• 95 James Suckling

  Seductive and enchanting nose with aromas of wild berries, dried herbs, pencil lead, bark and leather. It's full-bodied with fine tannins. Well-built with the harmonious structure supporting a velvety core of berries and chocolate which caress the mid-palate.