As I’m getting closer to the holiday season, I’m back on my annual “pick up a case or two of California Cabs” for my guests kick (regular folks that like nice wines but not old world in palate). I’m looking for reasonable quality in the sub-$30 range. This Daou just popped up locally at $22 with a reasonable critic’s review.
Any impressions?
I have also picked up the 2012 Chappellet Mountain Cuvee.
My experience with Paso cabs says don’t drink Paso cabs. Lots of people here probably disagree, but my experience has always been jam city. I’d sooner take a flier on something with mountain fruit. Think you can get Domain Eden for about $30. I like Stefania. That Chappellet has been decent in the past too.
Robert, my impression with the 2012 Mountain Cuvée was that it was blown out and hollow. Hope you have better luck with it and I think the right crowd might still like it due to the dark berry fruit and oak treatment, but I wouldn’t think you’ll get good vibes with it. Based on previous vintages I was thinking Napa QPR with good structure, not this vintage I guess.
As for Daou, I’ve only had one experience years ago when they were still purchasing grapes from the flatter, warmer parts of Paso as the estate vines were too young. No idea now if they’re using estate grapes for the basic bottling. Rangeland makes a leaner, more traditional style of Cabernet I believe as they’re in a very cold pocket of Paso but I don’t have much experience. I’m visiting in 2 weeks and have always been curious to try.
The write-up I received on the Daou says that the fruit comes from Hoffman Mountain, 2200 feet elevation. That’s what caught my eye. Otherwise, I have not been that impressed with much that comes from this region, at least the flatlands.
I’m pretty sure the Hoffman Mountain is their estate vineyard. It’s actually a pretty interesting site with beautiful views, but I have no idea how well it’s suited for Cabernet Sauvignon. (I tasted there years ago when they just finished their tasting room).
As for Paso Robles as a whole, unless you’re on a mailing list or dealing with the right shop, you probably only see plonk-level stuff out in the market on the east coast. Robert Hall, Wild Horse and a number of private labels from industrially farmed vineyards. Daou has been pretty aggressive in getting their wines in a national distribution, but no idea if the estate is any good. Cabernet in Paso is pretty questionable unless you’re dealing with the right microclime. At least that’s been my experience so far. There are a number of reputable Cabernets being produced, but you’re immediately into the $60-80+ range and I don’t believe that’s what you’re looking for.