We have been fans of the premium wine from DAOU Vineyards in Paso Robles for many years. The family heritage, the spectacular setting and hospitality of their vineyards and tasting room and, most of all, their best of the best Paso Robles AVA Cabernet Sauvignon have always made DAOU very special. Our most recent Paso Robles visit was featured in our July 2026 “Explore” issue. That visit to DAOU Mountain included tastings of their Patrimony Reserve wines (all 100s on the “Chez Benny” wine score scale) and a meal worthy of three Michelin stars if they were a restaurant—it was a lifetime memory!
Lucky us! Robin and I were then invited to attend their Soul of a City introduction to their 99-point rated 2023 Soul of a Lion, DAOU Vineyards flagship wine. The wine is spectacular: a Left Bank Bordeaux-style blend that’s 76% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Cabernet Franc and 6% Petit Verdot.
Of course, we said YES! When and where? We will be there! Hollywood? Okay, let’s plan a staycation at a nearby hotel to really enjoy ourselves and avoid Uber or driving.
Held at TAO in Hollywood on April 23, the event featured curated tastings of the new vintage alongside rare library selections, with a special media tasting led by Senior Winemaker José Alberto Santos and wine expert Dev the Somm (Devin Reed). The dynamic celebration of wine and culture also included a welcome toast from DAOU Brand Ambassador Laura Reynolds, along with immersive elements such as a custom perfume bar and a live mural. TAO is almost more of an experience than a restaurant; it’s a great setting for a modern sultry film noir. I will let the photos tell the story.
DAOU 2023 Soul of a Lion is top, top shelf. We have a case stashed away for aging or a great steak dinner. Knowing me, I predict that it will be finished off well before it ages.
Learn more at Daouvineyards.com and daouvineyards.com/wines/2023-estate-collection-soul-of-a-lion-1.