DAOU THE PESSIMIST RED BLEND 2023, Paso Robles

Created in 2007, Georges and Daniel Daou moved to California in the 1980's to study Electrical Engineering and Computer Engineering at UC San Diego. They created DAOU Systems, a networking technology company that would revolutionize hospital computer systems. In 1989 they sold DAOU Systems and started making wine. Eventually they purchased the former Hoffman Mountain Ranch (a post-Prohibition winery) restoring it and then renaming it DAOU Mountain where they are farming and producing sustainably. The 2023 is a blend of 69% Petite Sirah, 18% Syrah, 11% Zinfandel, 2% Lagrein. This is a bold and powerful wine that opens with ample aromas of blueberry, boysenberry, plum, and strawberry. Smoky notes of truffle and roasted coffee are accompanied by floral notes of lavender and lilac. The palate is lush and engulfing, showing both robustness and elegance with juicy flavors of cherry, huckleberry, kirsch, and cassis. Underlying suggestions of fennel, olive, and spice bring enticing complexity to a silky, balanced finish.