Pessimist by DAOU Paso Robles Red Blend 2020
Don’t look now… but DAOU’s Pessimist is bringing optimism to your nightly table.
Daniel Daoou has devoted his life to creating wines that rival the very best in the world.
Though he’s staked most of his claim on Cabernet, his other wines are produced with the same standards in mind, and continue to punch way above their class in both price and style.
Sitting perched at 2,200 feet above sea level, the DAOU winery and property sits high above the Paso Robles landscape, embracing a certain vibe and energy that is truly all their own. The calcareous soils make for truly spectacular fruit that exude personality and character, and set the stage for wines full of energy, density, and serious substance.
No effort is spared and no stone left unturned to produce some of the most amazing wines the region has ever seen, and is only coupled with the infectious passion of the Daou brothers for creating a brand that oozes charisma and welcomes you in from the first sip.
They have captured magical lightning in a bottle, and their double 92-point 2020 Pessimist will take your palate on the ride of its life!
Intense aromas of wild blueberries, black plums, spiced cherries, dried strawberries, lavender, kirsch, and pepper are just the beginning, with waves of truffle, boysenberry, cassis, clove, and leather drenching every inch of the palate. The wine is full of dense fruit, yet is somehow light enough on its feet to deliver a well-rounded profile highlighted by notes of dark chocolate, spiced vanilla, and warm earth.
An elegant finish leaves the palate wanting more, with a full-bodied style that carries the drinking experience all the way from the first sip to the last with supreme ease.
Liquid pessimism has never tasted so good.
Jeb Dunnuck
Always a Petite Sirah-dominated wine, the 2020 Pessimist sports an inky purple color as well as a great, full-bodied style carrying wonderful blue fruits, spring flowers, spice, and vanilla aromas and flavors. It's textured, has ripe tannins, loads of fruit, and is about as sexy and gulpable as they come.
Wine Advocate
Deep ruby-purple, the 2020 Pessimist is a blend of 62% Petite Sirah, 18% Syrah, 18% Zinfandel and 2% Lagrein, matured for 10 months in 60% new French oak. It's scented of black cherries with touches of purple flowers, graphite and grilled meats, and the medium-bodied palate is grainy and fresh with a long, perfumed finish. This offers fantastic quality for the price.