Review: 2023 Daou Soul of a Lion Cabernet Sauvignon Adelaida District

This is our third round with Daou’s Soul of a Lion, the highest-end offering the Paso Robles winery produces. 2023’s release is 76% cabernet sauvignon, 18% cabernet franc, and 6% petit verdot.

As it’s been in the past the wine has an incredible density that suggests drinking it today is less than optimal. Nevertheless, a healthy decanting and some airtime can help this lion to temper its roaring a bit, pushing the 15.2% abv bruiser into gentler territory. After a bit of rest, the wine showcases flavors typical of the expression — raspberry and chocolate in a boozy, Port-like swirl, blackcurrants building as the finish digs its fingernails into you. The finish likens itself to a chocolate-coconut custard, doused in thick raspberry syrup. There’s no anise character to speak of with this expression, so if you’re looking for a more herbal wine this 2023 won’t do the trick. Those in need of a delightful pairing for that ribeye, however, need look no further.

A- / $160 [BUY IT NOW FROM TOTAL WINE]

The post Review: 2023 Daou Soul of a Lion Cabernet Sauvignon Adelaida District appeared first on Drinkhacker: The Insider’s Guide to Good Drinking.