2012

THE WINE | There is a plum colored rim with an opaque crimson core. Fresh pressed strawberries and raspberries dominate the nose with a slight suggestion of fresh purple lilac buds. The palate is coated with crushed red plum and confirmation of red fruit is evident in a fresh and alive manner. The wine’s red fruit and spice provides a romantic under-tone. The moderate alcohol and tannins provide good body and will allow the wine to be enjoyed in the next five years. The acidity combined with slight hints of cloves from the used French oak adds complexity to this good example of a restrained Paso Robles based Merlot.

THE VINTAGE | The 2012 vintage rewarded us with a large and healthy crop. We dropped fruit four times throughout the growing season to balance the vines and concentrate flavors in the berries. The first heat wave in August caused sugars to progress quickly and required us to water for the first time that year. On August 24th, moderate temperatures, with daytime highs in the 80s and mildly cool nights, slowed sugar development and allowed tannins to develop nicely. Harvest lasted from September 1st to October 7th. The 2012 vintage allowed us to make beautifully robust wines concentrated in color and with plenty of structure. Allow these wines some time to age to unlock their true potential.

DAOU VINEYARDS & WINERY | Family owned and operated, DAOU Vineyards is committed to producing collectible, world-class wines to rival the most respected appellations in the world. Situated on a 212-acre hilltop estate in the Adelaida District of Paso Robles, our remarkable geology, favorable microclimate, and high elevation were once described by renowned California winemaker André Tchelistcheff as “a jewel of ecological elements.” As stewards of this beautiful terroir, DAOU’s goal is to make unique fine wines that honestly and accurately reflect the potential of the estate and to craft Bordeaux style wines that combine Old World tradition with New World techniques.

Varietal(s) | 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot

ALCOHOL | 14.4%

BARREL AGING | 19 months in 50% new French oak

Micho

P A S O R O B L E S C O L L E C T I O N